Included In This Lesson
Study Tools
Outline
Generic Name
losartan
Trade Name
Cozaar
Indication
hypertension, DM neuropathy, CHF
Action
inhibits vasoconstrictive properties of angiotensin II
Therapeutic Class
antihypertensives
Pharmacologic Class
angiotensin II receptor antagonist
Nursing Considerations
• may cause hypotension, tacycardia, angiodema, hyperkalemia
• may increase digoxin levels
• assess blood pressure and heart rate
• assess fluid levels
• monitor daily weights with CHF
• monitor renal and liver
• instruct patient on how to take blood pressure
Transcript
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.
Tarang Patel, DNP-NA, RN, CCRN, RPh 
Nichole Weaver, MSN/Ed, RN, CCRN 
Miriam Wahrman, MSN/Ed, RNC-MNN 
Kara Tarr, BSN, RN 
Nacole Riccaboni, MSN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CMC 