Drugs >  Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide
Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(loe SAR tan & hye droe klor oh THYE a zide)

Brand Names
Hyzaar®

Therapeutic Categories
Antihypertensive Agent, Combination

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

  • Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. Use during the second and third trimester (more than 12 weeks pregnant) can cause harm to the baby you are carrying. Call healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant. Your medicine will need to be changed.


Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to another thiazide, sulfonamide, hydrochlorothiazide, losartan, or any other part of the medicine. If you are allergic to another angiotensin receptor antagonist, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Disease of the vessels (arteries) that take blood to the kidney, primary hyperaldosteronism, severe kidney disease.
  • If you are pregnant.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.


How does it work?

  • Losartan lowers blood pressure by preventing a strong chemical in the body from increasing blood pressure.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) lowers blood pressure and can act to get rid of extra salt and water in the body. It works on the kidneys.


How is it best taken?

  • Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
  • Take at a similar time every day. Taking earlier in the day may be better to prevent getting up at night to use the bathroom.
  • Follow diet plan (low salt) as recommended by healthcare provider.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Wear disease medical alert identification for high blood pressure.
  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor). May increase blood pressure.
  • Not for use in kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Watch for gout attacks. If you have sudden pain in a single joint, like the toe, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
  • Lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Low potassium. This may make you feel tired, weak, or have numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, constipation, vomiting, or rapid heartbeats. May require taking supplements and/or eating foods rich in potassium. Talk with healthcare provider.


What should I monitor?

  • Check blood pressure regularly.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
  • Check blood work (potassium). Talk with healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
  • Severe headache.
  • Signs of low potassium (see above). Can lead to serious heartbeat problems.
  • Any rash.
  • If you become pregnant while on this medicine.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) medicines with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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