Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide are combined in this medicine. This medicine helps to keep your blood pressure under control.
It also helps reduce the risk of stroke if you have high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy (an enlargement of the walls of the left chamber of the heart).
Take Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or sulfonamide-derived medicines (medicines used to treat certain infections).
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- unable to pass urine
- low sodium levels in the blood
- low fluid volume or fluid loss caused by water pills, dietary salt restriction, diarrhoea or vomiting
- have diabetes or kidney disease (GFR below 60 mL/min) and at the same time being treated with aliskiren (medicine for high blood pressure)
as Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. narrowing of heart valves
- narrowing of the blood vessels in the kidney
- severe kidney disease
- liver disease
- gout
- moderate or high blood cholesterol level
- diabetes or prediabetes
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and certain laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause any of the following side effects: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, loss of appetite, altered taste, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, nasal congestion, cough, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, muscle cramps, spasm or pain, back pain, weakness, itch and rash.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop taking Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren if you have diabetes or kidney disease (GFR below 60 mL/min).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure
- other water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. colestyramine, colestipol
- potassium supplements, potassium-containing medicines
- strong painkillers
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
