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Losartan Potassium

(loe sar' tan)

Brand name(s): Cozaar

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Why is this medication prescribed?

Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure. It blocks the action of certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Losartan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take losartan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Losartan controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take losartan even if you feel well. Do not stop taking losartan without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking losartan,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to losartan or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially diuretics ('water pills'), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), other medications for high blood pressure, potassium supplements, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease or diabetes.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking losartan.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from losartan are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness or lightheadedness
• congestion
• cough
• diarrhea
• trouble sleeping
• headache
• muscle aches
• fever
• sore throat

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fainting
• rash

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to losartan.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.

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