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Cozaar Side Effects

Generic name: losartan

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 26, 2022.

Note: This document contains side effect information about losartan. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Cozaar.

Summary

Common side effects of Cozaar include: asthenia, chest pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and hypoglycemia. Other side effects include: hyperkalemia, hypotension, and orthostatic hypotension. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to losartan: oral extemporaneous suspension, oral tablets.

Warning

  • May cause fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality if used during pregnancy.1 2 56 57 (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality under Cautions.)

  • If pregnancy is detected, discontinue as soon as possible.1 2 57

Side effects include:

Patients with hypertension: upper respiratory infection, dizziness, nasal congestion, back pain, leg pain, muscle cramp, sinusitis.

Patients with diabetic nephropathy: Urinary tract infection, diarrhea, anemia, asthenia/fatigue, hypoglycemia, chest pain, cough, bronchitis, diabetic vascular disease, influenza-like disease, cataracts, cellulitis, hyperkalemia, hypotension, muscular weakness, sinusitis, gastritis, hypoesthesia, infection, knee pain, and leg pain.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to losartan: oral tablet.

General

The most common adverse reactions were upper respiratory infection and dizziness.[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Nasal congestion, upper respiratory infection, sinusitis, pharyngitis, cough, sinus disorder

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea

Frequency not reported: Bronchitis, pharyngeal discomfort, epistaxis, rhinitis, respiratory congestion[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Obstipation, vomiting

Frequency not reported: Constipation, dental pain, dry mouth, flatulence, gastritis[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Muscle cramp, back pain, leg pain, myalgia

Frequency not reported: Arm pain, hip pain, joint swelling, knee pain, musculoskeletal pain, shoulder pain, stiffness, arthralgia, arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle weakness

Postmarketing reports: Rhabdomyolysis[Ref]

Renal

Common (1% to 10%): Renal impairment, renal failure, BUN increased, serum creatinine increased[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache, vertigo

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Somnolence

Rare (less than 0.1%): Paresthesia, syncope, cerebrovascular accident

Frequency not reported: Ataxia, hypesthesia, memory impairment, migraine, peripheral neuropathy, tremor, taste perversion, tinnitus[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia/fatigue, edema/swelling, chest pain

Frequency not reported: Facial edema, fever, orthostatic effects

Postmarketing reports: Malaise[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia, serum potassium increased, hypoglycemia

Frequency not reported: Anorexia, gout

Postmarketing reports: Hyponatremia[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Orthostatic hypotension

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Palpitation, angina pectoris

Rare (less than 0.1%): Atrial fibrillation

Frequency not reported: Second degree atrioventricular block, hypotension, myocardial infarction, sinus bradycardia, tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, flushing

Postmarketing reports: Vasculitis[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sleep disorder

Frequency not reported: Anxiety, anxiety disorder, confusion, depression, dream abnormality, libido decreased, nervousness, panic disorder[Ref]

Hematologic

Common (1% to 10%): Anemia

Rare (less than 0.1%): Hemolysis

Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia, hemoglobin decreased, hematocrit decreased[Ref]

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria, pruritus, rash

Rare (less than 0.1%): Angioedema, superficial peeling of palms

Frequency not reported: Alopecia, dermatitis, dry skin, ecchymosis, erythema, photosensitivity, sweating

Postmarketing reports: Erythroderma[Ref]

Hepatic

Rare (less than 0.1%): ALT increased

Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis, liver enzymes increased, serum bilirubin increased, pancreatitis, liver function abnormalities[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Impotence, nocturia, urinary frequency, urinary tract infection[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, burning/stinging in the eye, conjunctivitis, visual acuity decreased[Ref]

Immunologic

Frequency not reported: Flu-like symptoms

Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Cozaar (losartan). Merck & Co., Inc. 2001.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.