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What is Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide?

Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide is a combination medicine for hypertension (high blood pressure) that contains two active ingredients, Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide. Losartan Potassium is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that prevents the blood vessels from narrowing which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that stops the body from absorbing too much salt which can lead to fluid retention. High levels of salt in the body can lead to high blood pressure. 
This medicine is sold under several brands, a couple of which are Hyzaar and Losacar H (made by Cipla)

Important Information about Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide

Do not take Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide (Hyzaar, Losacar H) if you are allergic to Losartan Potassium or Hydrochlorothiazide, or if you are unable to urinate. To make sure that this medicine is safe for you, inform your doctor in advance if you have any of these conditions: heart disease or congestive heart failure, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), liver disease, lupus, gout, glaucoma diabetes, asthma, or an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin. 
Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide is a pregnancy category D drug. Do not take this medicine if you are a pregnant woman. If you become pregnant during the treatment with this medicine, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide can cause injury or death of an unborn baby if pregnant women take it in second or third trimester. Use of effective birth control is recommended while taking this medicine. It is not known whether Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor about safely taking this medicine if you are breast feeding a baby.
Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine, unless or otherwise directed by your doctor.
In rare cases, Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide can lead to a condition which results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, causing in kidney failure. Seek medical attention right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual fatigue, and dark colored urine.

Before taking Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide

Before taking Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide (Hyzaar, Losacar H), take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug.

How should I take Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide?

Take Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication.
It may take up to 4 weeks of regular intake (as directed) for Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide to reign in your blood pressure. Take this medicine with a full glass of water. While taking Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide, watch out for vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating. These can lead to severe dehydration which can further lower your blood pressure. Low blood pressure can be a dangerous and fatal condition. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these conditions while taking this medicine.
You may have to take this medicine for many years, even if you look fine. High blood pressure doesn’t have any outwardly signs. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.

What if I overdose?

In case of an overdose of Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately. Overdose may result in nausea, weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, thirst, muscle pain or weakness, or feeling like you might pass out.

Things and Activities to avoid while taking Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide

Avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol. Do not become overheated or dehydrated during exercise and hot weather. Follow your doctor’s directions about the type and amount of fluids you should drink. Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or regular use of salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine.

Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide Side Effects

Some common side effects of Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide are dizziness, light headedness, swelling in ankles or feet, or flushing. If any of these effects persist or deteriorate, get medical attention right away. A serious side effect is unlikely. However, if you get any serious side effect like fast, irregular or rapid heartbeat, or fainting, or any other serious side effect, seek medical attention immediately.
The side effects mentioned above are not the only ones that you may experience or witness due to Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide. If you get any serious side effects due to this medication, contact your doctor right away. 

Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide Dosing Information

Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.

Interaction with other drugs

Many other drugs can interact with Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any other drugs or related products (OTC vitamin pills or other medicines, or herbal products), especially other blood pressure medicines, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, rafmapin, ritonavir, barbiturates, muscle relaxers, narcotic medicines, lithium, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, or others), steroids, cholestyramine, colestipol, insulin, oral diabetes medicines, a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, salt substitutes that contain potassium, or diuretics. However, these are not the only drugs that can interact with Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide. There may be others. Never start a new medication without proper medical advice.