hydrochlorothiazide and losartan

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

If you have diabetes, do not use hydrochlorothiazide and losartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

What is hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill). Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (sometimes called an ARB blocker).

Hydrochlorothiazide and losartan is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in certain people with heart disease.

Hydrochlorothiazide and losartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

If you have diabetes, do not use hydrochlorothiazide and losartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking hydrochlorothiazide and losartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• lupus;
• liver or kidney disease;
• asthma or allergies;
• diabetes;
• gout;
• congestive heart failure;
• glaucoma;
• low or high levels of potassium in your blood;
• high cholesterol or triglyceride levels; or
• an allergy to penicillin or sulfa drugs.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydrochlorothiazide and losartan.

If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids.

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• irregular heartbeats;
• eye pain, vision problems;
• kidney problems --little or no urination, rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles;
• new or worsening symptoms of lupus --joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight; or
• signs of an electrolyte imbalance --increased thirst or urination, confusion, vomiting, constipation, muscle pain, leg cramps, irregular heartbeats, numbness or tingling, severe weakness, loss of movement, feeling jittery or unsteady.

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness;
• back pain; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

If you also take cholestyramine or colestipol, take your hydrochlorothiazide and losartan dose 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after you take the other medicine.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a diuretic or "water pill";
• other blood pressure medications;
• lithium; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect hydrochlorothiazide and losartan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydrochlorothiazide and losartan.