Lippincotts Drugs to Know for the NCLEX

losartan potassium
low-SAR-tan
Cozaar
Pharmacologic class: Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
INDICATIONS
Hypertension
Nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients
Stroke prevention in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy
ACTION
Inhibits vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-secreting action of angiotensin II by blocking angiotensin II
receptor on the surface of vascular smooth muscle and other tissue cells.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Patients with hypertension or left ventricular hypertrophy:
CNS: dizziness, asthenia, fatigue, headache, insomnia
CV: edema, chest pain
Respiratory: cough, upper respiratory infection
Other: angioedema
Patients with nephropathy:
CNS: asthenia, fatigue
CV: chest pain, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension
GI: diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastritis
GU: UTI
Metabolic: hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, weight gain
Musculoskeletal: back pain
Respiratory: cough, bronchitis
Other: flulike syndrome, angioedema
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Monitor patient’s blood pressure closely to evaluate effectiveness of therapy.
Monitor patients who are also taking diuretics for hypotension.
Monitor creatinine and BUN levels.
Don’t confuse Cozaar with Zocor.
PATIENT TEACHING