Cozavan (Losartan Potassium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cozavan Used For?
Cozavan contains losartan, which belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by relaxing your blood vessels to lower blood pressure.
Primary Uses
Cozavan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to slow the progression of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes who have protein in their urine (proteinuria).
How It Works
Cozavan lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. For people with type 2 diabetes and kidney problems, it helps slow kidney damage and may reduce the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Good to know: Cozavan is not addictive.
How to Take Cozavan
Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your condition and other medicines you may be taking. Take Cozavan at the same time each day for best results.
Dosage Instructions
For high blood pressure: Usually start with 50 mg once daily. Some patients may need a lower starting dose. The dose may be increased based on your blood pressure response. Most patients take between 25 to 100 mg daily. For type 2 diabetes with kidney problems: Usually start with 50 mg once daily, may be increased to 100 mg once daily. Take with or without food. Swallow tablets whole with water.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. If you miss more than one dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Tiredness or weakness
- Spinning sensation
- Generally feeling unwell
- Increased sensitivity of skin to sun
- Inability to get or maintain an erection
- Cough
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Skin rash or itching (may indicate allergic reaction)
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches not caused by exercise
- Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
- Signs of anemia (tiredness, shortness of breath, looking pale)
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Severe sudden onset of hives or nettle rash
- Swelling in the intestine
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before taking Cozavan. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Cozavan
Do not take Cozavan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, allergic to losartan or any ingredients, have diabetes and are taking aliskiren, or if the medication is expired or damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver problems, recent excessive vomiting or diarrhea, or any allergies. Also inform them if you’re taking medicines that may increase potassium levels.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Cozavan is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can cause harm or death to an unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking Cozavan, contact your doctor immediately. It’s unknown if Cozavan passes into breast milk.
Pregnancy Warning: Cozavan can cause serious harm or death to an unborn baby. Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Cozavan, affecting how it works or increasing side effects. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you’re taking.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Cozavan as it may reduce the medication’s effectiveness.
- Other blood pressure medicines
- Diuretic tablets (water pills), including potassium-sparing diuretics
- Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors)
- Potassium tablets and potassium-containing salt substitutes
- Lithium
- Trimethoprim-containing products
- Indomethacin
Alcohol & Driving
Cozavan may cause dizziness or light-headedness, which can affect your ability to drive safely or operate machinery. Alcohol can worsen these effects.
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse. Tell your doctor about your alcohol consumption.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Cozavan affects you. The medication may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or light-headedness. Take particular care when first starting Cozavan or when doses are changed.
Storage
Store Cozavan below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep tablets in the original pack until ready to use. Store in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground, away from children. Do not store in bathrooms, cars, or on window sills.
Overdose Information
If you take too many Cozavan tablets, you will probably feel light-headed or dizzy. Seek immediate medical attention by calling the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contacting your doctor, or going to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cozavan helps control high blood pressure but does not cure it. You must take it every day as prescribed. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure to ensure the medication is working effectively.
Yes, it doesn’t matter whether you take Cozavan before or after food. Take it at about the same time each day for best results.
No, Cozavan is not addictive.
If you feel light-headed, dizzy, or faint, get up slowly when getting out of bed or standing up. Make sure you drink enough water, especially during exercise and hot weather. If dizziness continues or worsens, talk to your doctor.
If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse. Tell your doctor about your alcohol consumption so they can advise you appropriately.
If you have excessive vomiting and/or diarrhea while taking Cozavan, tell your doctor. This can mean you’re losing too much water and your blood pressure may become too low.
Yes, if your doctor has prescribed potassium tablets for you, continue taking them. Cozavan contains only a very small amount of potassium and does not replace any potassium tablets you may be taking.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.