Most popular quantity. Cozaar (Losartan) (rINN) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist drug used mainly to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Cozaar (Losartan) was the first angiotensin II receptor antagonist to be marketed.
As with all angiotensin II receptor antagonists, Cozaar (Losartan) is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Cozaar (Losartan) may also delay progression of diabetic nephropathy and is also indicated for the reduction of renal disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and microalbuminuria (>30 mg/24 hours) or proteinuria (>900 mg/24 hours).
Although angiotensin II receptor antagonists are not usually considered first-line, because of the proven effectivity and lower costs of thiazide diuretics and beta blockers, Cozaar (Losartan) may be used first-line in patients with increased cardiovascular risk. The LIFE study demonstrated that Cozaar (Losartan) was significantly superior to atenolol in the primary prevention of adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction or stroke), with a significant reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for a comparable reduction in blood pressure.
Cozaar (Losartan) is available in a combination formulation with a low dose thiazide diuretic, invariably hydrochlorothiazide, to counteract the increase in renin and to achieve an additive antihypertensive effect. The Cozaar (Losartan)/hydrochlorothiazide combination preparation is marketed by Merck under the trade name Hyzaar.
Cozaar (Losartan) is a selective, competitive Angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, reducing the end organ responses to angiotensin II. Cozaar (Losartan) administration results in a decrease in total peripheral resistance (afterload) and cardiac venous return (preload) All of the physiological effects of angiotensin II, including stimulation of release of aldosterone, are antagonized in the presence of Cozaar (Losartan). Reduction in blood pressure occurs independently of the status of the renin-angiotensin system. As a result of Cozaar (Losartan) dosing, plasma renin activity increases due to removal of the angiotensin II feedback.
What is the shelf life of the pills?
- The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
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