Losartan (Cozaar) Nursing Considerations

Okay, let’s talk about Losartan also known as Cozaar. This is an oral medication, as you can see here. Remember the therapeutic class is how the drug works in the body. And for Losartan it’s an anti-hypertensive in the Pharmac logic class is the chemical effect of the drug. And in this case is an angiotensin two receptor antagonists, or a R B Losartan works by inhibiting vasoconstrictive properties of angiotensin two. We use Losartan for the treatment of hypertension for diabetic neuropathy, and also for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Some of the side effects that we see with Losartan are hypotension, tachycardia, angioedema, and hyperemia. 

So let’s take a look at a few nursing considerations, Losartan, be sure while the patient is on Losartan, you assess their blood pressure, their heart rate, and also their fluid levels monitor daily weights in patients who have congestive heart failure. Also renal and liver labs should be monitored while on Losartan. It’s important to know that de jocky levels may be increased with Losartan. So blood levels should definitely be monitored while on both medications, be sure to teach the patient how to take their own blood pressure, whether that means at their local pharmacy or with an at home monitor. One important interaction is between Losartan or any ARB in common with ACE inhibitors. Combination of these have been studied, but has been found to have little to no benefit, but does have a significant risk of hyperemia sometimes so bad that it does require hospitalization. So no, no use of ARBs and ACE inhibitors together. That’s it for Losartan or Cozart, and I’ll go out and be your best self today. And as always happy nursing.