What is Losartan Potassium-Hctz: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Losartan Potassium-Hctz overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Hyzaar

Generic Names:

  • Losartan Potassium-Hctz

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure. This medicine contains an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and a diuretic (water pill).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist/Thiazide Combination

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Losartan Potassium-Hctz come in

  • Tablet

What are common Losartan Potassium-Hctz doses?

  • Tablet 50-12.5MG

  • Tablet 100-25MG

  • Tablet 100-12.5MG

  • Bottle 30 Tablets

  • Bottle 90 Tablets

Common Losartan Potassium-Hctz prescriptions

  • Losartan Potassium-HCTZ
    30 tablets bottle

  • Losartan Potassium-HCTZ
    90 tablets bottle

  • Losartan Potassium-HCTZ
    100-12.5mg tablet

  • Losartan Potassium-HCTZ
    100-25mg tablet

  • Losartan Potassium-HCTZ
    50-12.5mg tablet

How to take Losartan Potassium-Hctz

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Losartan Potassium-Hctz contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to losartan or hydrochlorothiazide, if you are pregnant, or if you are not able to form urine (anuria).

Losartan Potassium-Hctz warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy, especially in your second or third trimester. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including cirrhosis), heart failure, diabetes, gout, high cholesterol, lupus, trouble urinating, or a history of asthma or allergies.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Kidney problemsLow or high levels of minerals in your blood, including potassium and sodiumEye or vision problems, including glaucomaIncreased risk for skin cancer

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Losartan Potassium-Hctz interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Lithium, insulin or other diabetes medicineAnother blood pressure medicineDiuretic (water pill)NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

  • Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

  • If you also use cholestyramine or colestipol, take it at least 4 hours after you take this medicine.

  • Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Losartan Potassium-Hctz side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Confusion, weakness, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Sores, reddish patch or irritated area, shiny bump, pink growth, or white, yellow or waxy scar-like area on the skin

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle twitching or cramps, nausea, vomiting

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody urine, lower back or side pain, rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry cough