Cozaar®, a medication for high blood pressure, can cause side effects in some patients. Common Cozaar® side effects include weight gain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and low blood pressure. These are sometimes more severe when a patient first starts using the medication, and should resolve as the patient's body adjusts. If the side effects continue or become more severe, the patient should call a doctor for evaluation. It may be necessary to change the dosage or switch medications.
Before a doctor will prescribe Cozaar®, the patient needs to be evaluated for any clear contraindications. Patients in congestive heart failure, along with people who have a history of kidney or liver disease, may not be good candidates for this medication. Electrolyte imbalances can also be a risk. Cozaar® is also known to be dangerous in pregnancy and cannot be used in pregnant women. Women may be advised to use two forms of birth control for security, and if they become pregnant while taking the medication, they should stop immediately and consult a doctor.
Many patients do not experience Cozaar® side effects, especially after the initial adjustment period where the blood pressure starts to drop in response to the medication. For those who do, gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be common. Adjusting the timing of doses and meals may help with this. Multiple small meals with lots of fiber may be beneficial, and adding exercise to the treatment plan may also help resolve these Cozaar® side effects.
Patients can also develop weight gain while on this medication, or low blood pressure. If low blood pressure occurs, patients may feel faint, dizzy, or disoriented. If these Cozaar® side effects start to develop, a doctor can check the patient's blood pressure and adjust the dosage if the patient's blood pressure appears too low. Patients may also experience nasal congestion, increased susceptibility to infection, and back pain while on this medication.
There is also a possibility of having an allergic reaction. This side effect is unusual and can be identified with a sudden onset of shortness of breath, hives, and skin rash. Patients who notice these Cozaar® side effects should consult a doctor immediately. The doctor can check for other possible underlying causes and discuss medication alternatives. Other drugs are available to manage high blood pressure in patients who develop an allergy to Cozaar®. The doctor will also record the allergy on the patient's chart to avoid problems in the future.
