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losartan potassium
Cozaar

Pregnancy Risk Category C (D in second and third trimesters)

How supplied
Tablets:
25 mg, 50 mg

Action
An angiotensin II receptor antagonist that inhibits the vasoconstricting and
aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to its receptor sites that are found in many tissues, including vascular smooth muscle and adrenal glands.

Indications & dosage
Hypertension--

Adults:
initially, 25 to 50 mg P.O. daily. Maximum daily dose is 100 mg in one or two divided doses.
Adjust-a-dose:
For patients with impaired hepatic function and in those who are intravascularly volume-depleted (such as those receiving diuretics), use lowest dosage (25 mg) initially.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
dizziness, insomnia.
EENT:
nasal congestion, sinusitis.
GI:
diarrhea, dyspepsia.
Musculoskeletal:
muscle cramps, myalgia, back or leg pain.
Respiratory:
cough, upper respiratory tract infection.

Interactions
Drug-drug
. Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements: possible hyperkalemia. Monitor closely.
Drug-food.
Salt substitutes containing potassium: risk of hyperkalemia. Monitor closely.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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