Indications
- Drug used to treat high blood pressure and lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart.
- Contains two medications: losartan and hydrochlorothiazide.
- Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that relaxes blood vessels to enhance blood flow.
- Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that increases urine production, aiding in the elimination of excess salt and water.
- Lowering high blood pressure with this medication helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Patient Information Leaflet before starting losartan/hydrochlorothiazide and with each refill.
- Take the medication orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
- If increased urination occurs, take the medication at least 4 hours before bedtime to minimize disruptions.
- If using certain cholesterol-lowering drugs (bile acid-binding resins), take losartan/hydrochlorothiazide at least 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after these medications.
- Dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Use the medication regularly at the same time each day for maximum benefit.
- Continue taking the medication even if you feel well, as most people with high blood pressure may not feel sick.
- Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens, such as an increase in blood pressure readings.
Side effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur during the medication adjustment period; inform your doctor if these effects persist or worsen.
- To minimize the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
- The medication is prescribed based on the doctor’s judgment that the benefits outweigh the risks; many users do not experience serious side effects.
- This product may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance; notify your doctor promptly if you observe symptoms such as dry mouth/thirst, muscle cramps/weakness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, or confusion.
- Report serious side effects promptly, including fainting, decrease in vision, eye pain, or signs of kidney problems (e.g., change in urine).
- Seek immediate medical attention for rare but serious allergic reactions, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- The list does not cover all possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice other effects not mentioned.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to losartan or hydrochlorothiazide.
- Discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have gout, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, dehydration, high potassium levels, or a history of skin cancer.
- The medication may cause dizziness; avoid activities requiring alertness until you can do them safely. Limit alcohol and marijuana use.
- Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to dehydration and lightheadedness; inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
- If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar regularly as the product may affect it. Consult your doctor for potential adjustments to your diabetes management.
- The medication may increase sensitivity to the sun and the risk of skin cancer; limit sun exposure, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing. Notify your doctor of sunburn or skin changes.
- Consult your doctor before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium.
- Inform your doctor or dentist about all products you use before surgery.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, especially dizziness and changes in urine output.
- If pregnant or planning pregnancy, consult your doctor; do not become pregnant while using the product, as losartan may harm the unborn baby.
- It is uncertain if losartan passes into breast milk, while hydrochlorothiazide is unlikely to harm a nursing infant; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.