Losartan HCTZ is a generic blood pressure medication. It contains two active ingredients that lower blood pressure. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker, a drug that relaxes and widens blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a diuretic that decreases blood volume by increasing the body’s elimination of water and salt through the urine. These two drugs are frequently taken together, so combining them in one drug helps patients save a step when taking their medications. Doses are taken once daily.
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Losartan-HCTZ overview
BRAND NAMES:
Hyzaar
Generic Names:
Losartan-hydrochlorothiazide
Uses:
Treats high blood pressure. Prevents stroke in people diagnosed with both hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged heart).
Therapeutic Classes:
Angiotensin II receptor antagonist/thiazide combination, antihypertensive, diuretic
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Losartan-HCTZ used for?
Losartan-hydrochlorothiazide lowers blood pressure in people diagnosed with hypertension. The FDA has also approved it to prevent stroke in people with an enlarged heart (left ventricular hypertrophy) and high blood pressure.
What form(s) does Losartan-HCTZ come in
Tablet
50 mg losartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide
100 mg/12.5 mg
100 mg/25 mg
What are common Losartan-HCTZ doses?
For high blood pressure in adults: 50/12.5 mg–100/25 mg taken once daily
For stroke prevention in people with an enlarged heart and high blood pressure: 50/12.5 mg–100/25 mg taken once daily
Common Losartan-HCTZ prescriptions
Losartan Potassium-HCTZ
30 tablets bottleLosartan Potassium-HCTZ
90 tablets bottleLosartan Potassium-HCTZ
100-12.5mg tabletLosartan Potassium-HCTZ
100-25mg tabletLosartan Potassium-HCTZ
50-12.5mg tablet
How to take Losartan-HCTZ
Take your medicine as directed. The dose may need to be changed during the course of treatment.
Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes with this medicine.
Losartan-hydrochlorothiazide tablets can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the tablets with a drink of water.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature protected from light.
What to do if you miss a dose of Losartan-HCTZ
Take a dose as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.
Losartan-HCTZ contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not take losartan HCTZ if you are pregnant. Losartan can harm an unborn baby.
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to losartan or hydrochlorothiazide.
Losartan-HCTZ warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor needs regular blood tests to monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Tell the doctor if you have:
Kidney problems
Liver problems
Congestive heart failure
Diabetes
Lupus
Gout
Skin cancer
A history of asthma or allergies
Tell the doctor about anything that may cause dehydration including:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excess sweating
Not drinking enough fluids.
Losartan-hydrochlorothiazide can cause serious problems including:
Kidney problems
Low blood pressure
Electrolyte abnormalities
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Increased risk of skin cancer
Worsening of lupus
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated, salt-depleted, or using other blood pressure medications. Do not drive or do anything dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds. People taking losartan HCTZ should undergo regular skin cancer screening.
Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well.
Losartan-HCTZ interactions
If you have diabetes, do not use losartan HCTZ with the blood pressure medication Tekturna (aliskiren).
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements, particularly:
Potassium supplements
Salt substitutes that contain potassium
Drugs that make you pee (diuretics), particularly potassium-sparing diuretics
Medicines that lower blood pressure, particularly ACE inhibitors or aliskiren
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Diabetes medications
Lithium
Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
People taking cholestyramine or colestipol should take these drugs at least four hours after taking a dose of losartan HCTZ.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Find out more about losartan interactions to avoid here and hydrochlorothiazide interactions to avoid here.
Losartan-HCTZ side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:
Change in how much or how often you urinate, rapid weight gain, swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Blurry vision
Eye pain, vision changes, halos around lights, swelling or redness of the eye
Sores, reddish patch or irritated area, shiny bump, pink growth, or white, yellow, or waxy scar-like area on the skin
Allergic reaction: Hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, chest tightness, severe trouble breathing
Losartan can cause serious side effects that may not have symptoms including:
Injury or death of an unborn baby
High potassium
Less serious side effects
Upper respiratory infections like colds
Dizziness
Stuffy nose
Back pain
Find more information about losartan side effects here and hydrochlorothiazide side effects here.
Sources:
Hyzaar drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
Hyzaar losartan potassium hydrochlorothiazide tablet prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine
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