Q. My blood pressure medicine was recently switched to Cozaar. After taking my pills this morning my mouth and tongue swelled up so I could barely talk. Could my medicine have done this?
A. Cozaar (losartan) is a very effective blood pressure medicine with relatively few side effects. Some people, however, are susceptible to a reaction called angioedema. Typically, this is characterized by swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat. It can rapidly turn into a life-threatening emergency if the airway becomes blocked.
Certain other blood pressure drugs such as Accupril (quinapril), Altace (ramipril), Benicar (olmesartan), Diovan (valsartan), enalapril and lisinopril can also trigger angioedema. Please let your doctor know about this serious reaction immediately.
