Losartan; Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets

What is this medication?

LOSARTAN; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (loe SAR tan; hye droe klor oh THYE a zide) treats high blood pressure. It may also be used to prevent a stroke in people with heart disease and high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels and helps your kidneys remove more fluid through the urine, which lowers blood pressure. It is a combination of an ARB and diuretic.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Hyzaar

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Decreased urine
• Diabetes
• If you are on a special diet, like a low-salt diet
• Immune system problems, like lupus
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cidofovir
• Dofetilide
• Tranylcypromine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Barbiturates, like phenobarbital
• Blood pressure medications
• Celecoxib
• Diuretics, especially triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride
• Fluconazole
• Lithium
• Medications for diabetes
• Medications that relax the muscles for surgery
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Opioid medications for pain
• Potassium salts or potassium supplements
• Rifampin
• Some cholesterol-lowering medications like cholestyramine or colestipol
• Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medication. Ask your care team what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact them. When you check your blood pressure, write down the measurements to show your care team. If you are taking this medication for a long time, you must visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Make sure you schedule appointments on a regular basis.

You must not get dehydrated. Ask your care team how much fluid you need to drink a day. Check with them if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medication.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.

Talk to your care team about your risk of skin cancer. You may be more at risk for skin cancer if you take this medication.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your care team.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
• Gout—severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joints, such as the big toe
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in sex drive or performance
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.