Losartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ Oral Tablets
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Losartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ Oral Tablets
What is this medicine?
LOSARTAN; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (loe SAR tan; hye droe klor oh THYE a zide) is a combination of an angiotensin II receptor blocker and a diuretic. It treats high blood pressure. It may also be used to lower the risk of stroke.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this drug by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.
Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
changes in vision
dark urine
eye pain
fast or irregular heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
feeling faint or lightheaded
muscle cramps
persistent dry cough
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.
stomach pain
trouble passing urine
unusual bleeding or bruising
worsened gout pain
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
change in sex drive or performance
headache
What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
barbiturates, like phenobarbital
blood pressure medicines
celecoxib
cimetidine
corticosteroids
diabetic medicines
diuretics, especially triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride
fluconazole
lithium
NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
potassium salts or potassium supplements
prescription pain medicines
rifampin
skeletal muscle relaxants like tubocurarine
some cholesterol-lowering medicines like cholestyramine or colestipol
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
decreased urine
diabetes
kidney disease
liver disease
if you are on a special diet, like a low-salt diet
immune system problems, like lupus
an unusual or allergic reaction to losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. When you check your blood pressure, write down the measurements to show your doctor or health care professional. If you are taking this medicine for a long time, you must visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Make sure you schedule appointments on a regular basis.
You must not get dehydrated. Ask your doctor or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Check with him or her if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.
Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child, particularly in the second or third trimester. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.
Talk to your health care professional about your risk of skin cancer. You may be more at risk for skin cancer if you take this medicine.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or health care professional.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.
Updated:  
November 13, 2020