Cozaar Flashcards

Study Notes

Cozaar Overview

Cozaar is the generic name for losartan potassium.
It is classified as an antihypertensive medication.

Dosage Forms

Available in tablet form in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.

Indications

Primarily used to treat hypertension.
Reduces stroke risk in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).
Effective for treating diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes patients with hypertension.

Dosage

Normal starting dose is 50 mg taken once daily.

Mechanism of Action

Angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, plays a key role in hypertension.
It stimulates aldosterone secretion from the adrenal cortex.
Losartan blocks the binding of angiotensin II to AT1 receptors, reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion.

Pharmacokinetics

Losartan undergoes first-pass metabolism via cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Terminal half-life is approximately 2 hours.
Active half-life ranges from 6 to 9 hours.
Mean peak plasma concentrations of losartan are reached in 1 hour; active metabolite concentrations peak at 3-4 hours.

Drug Interactions

Cimetidine increases the AUC of losartan without affecting its active metabolite.
Phenobarbital reduces the AUC of both losartan and its active metabolite.
NSAIDs may diminish the drug's effects and heighten renal function deterioration risk.

Contraindications and Precautions

Contraindicated in patients who are hypertensive to any Cozaar components.
Can cause fetal and neonatal death if administered to pregnant women; contraindicated especially in the second and third trimesters.
May lead to symptomatic hypotension in volume-depleted patients.
Caution is advised, and lower doses are recommended for those with impaired renal function.
Classified as Pregnancy Category C in the first trimester and Category D in the second and third trimesters.

Adverse Effects

Common side effects include upper respiratory infections (URI), diarrhea, dizziness, nasal congestion, and cough.
Rare instances of rhabdomyolysis reported in patients using angiotensin II receptor blockers.

Patient Consultation

Cozaar can be taken with or without food.
Should be discontinued immediately if pregnancy occurs.
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Patients should consult a physician if prolonged side effects occur.
If a dose is missed, skip it and return to the regular dosing schedule without doubling doses.

Description

Test your knowledge on Cozaar with these flashcards! This quiz covers the generic name, drug class, dosage forms, and indications for Cozaar. Perfect for pharmacy students or anyone interested in understanding this common antihypertensive medication.

Cozaar Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the generic name for Cozaar?

What drug class does Cozaar belong to?

What are the available dosage forms for Cozaar?

List some indications for Cozaar.

What is the normal starting dose of Cozaar?

What is the mechanism of action for Cozaar?

How is losartan metabolized?

What is the terminal half-life of Cozaar?

What is the active half-life of Cozaar?

When are mean peak concentrations of losartan reached?

What are some drug interactions associated with Cozaar?

What are contraindications for Cozaar?

What are some adverse effects of Cozaar?

What advice should be given to patients regarding Cozaar?