Cozaar (losartan potassium) is a medication which belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). This medication is to be taken orally. The ingredient of this anti hypertensive medicine is losartan potassium. The content of this drug Losartan, obstructs the angiotensin receptor. Obstructing the action of angiotensin, losartan dilates the blood vessels thereby decreasing the blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure prevents strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
This medication is available in the form of tablets in varying strengths. These tablets are composed of 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg of losartan potassium and they also contain other inactive ingredients which are microcrystalline cellulose, lactose hydrous, pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, D&C yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake and FD&C blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake. The composition of potassium in each tablet of Cozaar [losartan potassium] is different. This medicine may also contain carnauba wax.
Certain laboratory and/or medical tests such as kidney function, potassium blood level, etc should be conducted regularly, to monitor or to investigate the production of side effects. Further, the patient should also have his or her blood pressure regularly checked. This anti hypertensive medication should not be shared with others. This antihypertensive medicine is available only on prescription.
Changes in lifestyle like stress reduction programs, exercise and changes in diet helps in accelerating the effectiveness of this blood pressure reducing agent. In case of missed dose, doubling of dose should be avoided.
Certain signs or symptoms produced because of overdose of Cozaar (losartan potassium) are low blood pressure, Dizziness, Increased heart rate, increased levels of potassium in the blood, Kidney failure and loss of consciousness.

The daily dosage of Cozaar (losartan potassium) varies from 25mg to 100mg and it must be administered once or twice every day. The doses vary from patient to patient. The starting dose recommended is small and is 50 mg once daily, with 25 mg used in patients with probable depletion of intravascular volume. This drug must be consumed with or without food.

Some of the side effects of Cozaar (losartan potassium) are diarrhea, muscle cramps, dizziness, insomnia, nasal congestion, persistent cough, increase serum potassium, angioedema, reduced kidney function, renal artery stenosis.

Some of the drugs interact with the action of this drug. They are as follows -
• Nizoral, resulting in decreased activity of losartan.
• Use of other substances that accelerate blood-such as potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium can lead to fatal increase in serum potassium.
• Non steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs, the antihypertensive effect of losartan may be decreased.
• Lithium.

This drug is indicated in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy with an increased serum creatinine and proteinuria. It is further indicated in the treatment of hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Storage of Cozaar (losartan potassium) tablets should be in a tightly closed, light resistant container and at room temperature. The tablet must further be protected from light.

• Use of this medicine is to be avoided during pregnancy. It can cause injury and even death to the fetus.
• In nursing mothers as there are chances of harming the nursing infant, it should be avoided.
• Keep your physician informed about your medical history before starting this drug.