LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE
About LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE
LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE belongs to the class of anti-hypertensives primarily taken to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure. LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE is a combination medication generally used when a single medicine is unable to control high blood pressure. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a life-long or chronic condition in which the force exerted against the artery wall becomes too high. It can lead to the risk of heart diseases, like heart attack and stroke.
LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE is a combination of Losartan (angiotensin II receptor antagonist) and Hydrochlorothiazide (thiazide diuretic or water pill). Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker that helps to relax and widen the blood vessels (arteries) for easy blood flow to the whole body. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that prevents excess salt absorption in the body, preventing fluid retention. Together it lowers blood pressure and prevents the risk of stroke, heart attack, and oedema (fluid overload).
You can take LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE with food or an empty stomach. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take your tablets based on your medical condition. You may experience upper respiratory infections, dizziness, feeling tired, nausea, diarrhoea, back pain, and cold/flu symptoms like a cough in some cases. Most of these side effects of LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless your doctor tells you. In rare cases, LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE can cause a condition that results in a skeletal muscle problem, leading to further kidney failure. If you notice unexplained muscle pain, dark colour urine, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or unexplained tiredness, immediately contact the doctor. Do not use if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant; stop taking LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE, and tell your doctor immediately. Besides this, you should not use the LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE if you cannot urinate. If you have diabetes, do not use LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine). Before taking the LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease, kidney failure, glaucoma (increased eye pressure), high or low magnesium or potassium levels in your blood, allergies or asthma, lupus (an autoimmune disease), diabetes.
Uses of LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE
Medicinal Benefits
LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE is a combination of Losartan (angiotensin II receptor antagonist) and Hydrochlorothiazide (thiazide diuretic or water pill). Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker that helps to relax and widen the blood vessels (arteries). Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that prevents excess salt absorption in the body, preventing fluid retention. Together it lowers blood pressure and prevents the risk of stroke, heart attack, and oedema (fluid retention).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE
- Dizziness
- Feeling tired
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Dehydration
- Back pain
- Cold/flu symptoms
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: It is a chronic condition when blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force that our heart uses to pump blood to all parts of the body. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg, and diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg.
FAQs
LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE is a combination of Losartan (angiotensin II receptor antagonist) and Hydrochlorothiazide (thiazide diuretic or water pill). Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker that helps to relax and widen the blood vessels (arteries) for easy blood flow to the whole body. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that prevents excess salt absorption in the body, preventing fluid retention. Together it lowers blood pressure and prevents the risk of stroke, heart attack, and oedema (fluid overload).
No, you are advised to inform your doctor and monitor your blood pressure for at least two weeks before stopping the medicine. Depending upon your current blood pressure readings, there is a possibility your doctor may lower your medicine dosage and not recommend to discontinue it.
LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE can be safely taken as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Conditions such as high blood pressure are life-long conditions, and one should not abruptly discontinue it without discussing it with a doctor.
In case you have missed a dose of LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE, you are advised to take it as soon as you remember. However, try not to miss a dose in the first place; if it's time for you to take your next dose, then do not take both the doses together. Take only one dose; taking a double dose of LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE will lead to low blood pressure.
It is not recommended to take LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE if you are pregnant as it can damage the unborn baby (may lead to fetal toxicity).
Yes, prolonged intake of LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE can cause an increase in blood potassium level. So, patients taking LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE should avoid taking supplements and food rich in potassium to avoid any unpleasant side-effect.
Yes, LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE can cause dizziness. It is advised to avoid driving or operate any heavy machinery while taking LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE. In case you feel dizzy or lightheaded, it is advised to rest for some time until you feel better.
You should not take LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE if you have ever had liver disease, kidney failure, glaucoma, high or low levels of magnesium or potassium in your blood, have allergies or asthma, lupus (an autoimmune disease), diabetes, anuria (reduction or absence of urine) and pregnant women in their second or third trimesters. Besides this, avoid using LOSARTAN+HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (in case of diabetes) with aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine) as it can lead to a life-threatening condition.
