Losartan (Cozaar)

[Johnson5]

Good Morning! Does anyone have any experience with Losartan (Cozaar)? My son is 17, diagnosed at 3 months with HCM, myectomy in 2003, ICD/pacemaker 2006. He is symptomatic-with no obstruction-it is the outer walls and decreased chamber size that is causing his symptoms. It is thought that Loartan may, over time, reduce the amount of thickened tissue. I would like to hear from others what their experiences were.

[Eileen2345]

I have not taken this medication, so I'm sorry I am not any help regarding experience.

When I searched it on Google, the top websites said it may increase potassium and it is used to treat high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Here is one link:

http://www.medicinenet.com/losartan/article.htm



DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:

Losartan is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Other ARBs include irbesartan (Avapro), valsartan (Diovan), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), is a powerful chemical that attaches to angiotensin receptors found in many tissues but primarily on smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. Angiotensin's attachment to the receptors causes the blood vessels to narrow (vasoconstrict) which leads to an increase in blood pressure (hypertension). Losartan (more specifically, the chemical formed when the liver converts the inactive losartan into an active chemical) blocks the angiotensin receptor. By blocking the action of angiotensin, losartan dilates blood vessels and thereby reduces blood pressure. Losartan was approved by the FDA in April, 1995.

Losartan may increase levels of blood potassium which can lead to serious heart problems (arrhythmias). Therefore, concomitant use of other substances that increase blood-such as potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, and amiloride), potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium--may lead to dangerous increases in serum potassium.


I hope I did not scare you, I would probably ask what this may do your son's potassium levels and his blood pressure.