Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING
Do not take losartan and hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking losartan and hydrochlorothiazide, call your doctor immediately. Losartan and hydrochlorothiazide may harm the fetus.

Why this medication is prescribed
The combination of losartan and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure. Losartan is in a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly. Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics ('water pills'). It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.

How this medication should be used
The combination of losartan and hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take losartan and hydrochlorothiazide, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take losartan and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Losartan and hydrochlorothiazide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take losartan and hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking losartan and hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions
Before taking losartan and hydrochlorothiazide:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to losartan (Cozaar), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDIURIL, Microzide), sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin); cholestyramine (Questran); colestipol (Colestid); insulin or oral medications for diabetes; lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); narcotic pain medications; oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone); other diuretics; other medications for high blood pressure; phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had gout; lupus; asthma; allergies; heart failure; diabetes; high blood levels of cholesterol or other fats (triglycerides); or liver or kidney disease.
 * tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
 * if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking losartan and hydrochlorothiazide.
 * ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking losartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Alcohol can make the side effects from losartan and hydrochlorothiazide worse.
 * you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

Special dietary instructions
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet or an exercise program, follow these directions carefully.

What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor side effects
Losartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * dizziness
 * runny nose
 * sore throat
 * back pain

Severe side effects
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:


 * swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
 * hoarseness
 * difficulty breathing or swallowing
 * hives
 * dry mouth
 * thirst
 * weakness
 * drowsiness
 * restlessness
 * confusion
 * seizures
 * muscle pains or cramps
 * infrequent urination
 * upset stomach
 * vomiting
 * lightheadedness
 * fainting
 * rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

Losartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:


 * dizziness
 * lightheadedness
 * fainting
 * rapid or pounding heartbeat

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to losartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Your doctor may order certain blood tests to check your body's response to losartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking losartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Hyzaar®