Losartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (By Mouth)

Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide), Losartan (loe-SAR-tan)

Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of an antihypertensive (blood pressure medicine) and a diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

Hyzaar
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or to sulfa drugs. You should not receive this medicine if you are pregnant or are unable to urinate.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using lithium, digoxin (Lanoxin®), colestipol (Colestid®), cholestyramine (Questran®), a potassium supplement, a corticosteroid (such as cortisone or prednisone), pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, Relafen®, Advil®, Aleve®, Motrin®, Orudis®), a salt substitute, or other blood pressure medicine.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, asthma, allergies, or heart failure.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, problems urinating, nausea or vomiting
• Fever chills, cough, pain in side or lower back
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Pounding heartbeat
• Severe diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Swelling of feet or lower legs
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Stomach pain
• Stuffy nose

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.