Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide

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.

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.

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

<ul>
<li>
dizziness</li>
<li>
runny nose</li>
<li>
sore throat</li>
<li>
back pain</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs</li>
<li>
hoarseness</li>
<li>
difficulty breathing or swallowing</li>
<li>
hives</li>
<li>
dry mouth</li>
<li>
thirst</li>
<li>
weakness</li>
<li>
drowsiness</li>
<li>
restlessness</li>
<li>
confusion</li>
<li>
seizures</li>
<li>
muscle pains or cramps</li>
<li>
infrequent urination</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
lightheadedness</li>
<li>
fainting</li>
<li>
rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat</li></ul>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 <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

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. 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.

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:

<ul>
<li>
dizziness</li>
<li>
lightheadedness</li>
<li>
fainting</li>
<li>
rapid or pounding heartbeat</li></ul>