Cozaar

Why should Cozaar not be prescribed?

Do not take Cozaar when you are pregnant. Avoid it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Special warnings about Cozaar

Cozaar can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are also taking a diuretic. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued. Be sure you know how you react to Cozaar before you drive or operate machinery.

Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could make you lose too much water, causing a severe drop in blood pressure. Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially liver or kidney disease and congestive heart failure. In very rare cases, Cozaar has triggered fatal kidney problems in people with heart failure.

Cozaar tends to increase the level of potassium in the blood. Check with your doctor before taking potassium supplements or using a salt substitute.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cozaar

If Cozaar is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking Cozaar with the following:

Diuretics that leave potassium in the body, such as Aldactone, triamterene, and amiloride
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Troleandomycin (Tao)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Drugs such as Cozaar can cause injury or even death to the unborn child when used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Stop taking Cozaar as soon as you know you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor before taking Cozaar. Cozaar may appear in breast milk and could affect the nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding while you are taking Cozaar.