Losartan/hctz 100/25mg Tablets

Losartan: Selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor, thereby inhibiting the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II. Hydrochlorothiazide: A thiazide diuretic that inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions in the distal convoluted tubule, leading to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, and water, as well as potassium and magnesium.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood sugar, including:
+ Confusion
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Unusual thirst or hunger
+ Frequent urination
+ Flushing
+ Rapid breathing
+ Fruity-smelling breath
Signs of kidney problems, such as:
+ Inability to urinate
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Signs of fluid and electrolyte imbalances, including:
+ Mood changes
+ Confusion
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Increased thirst
+ Seizures
+ Fatigue or weakness
+ Decreased appetite
+ Urination changes
+ Dry mouth
+ Dry eyes
+ Severe nausea or vomiting
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problems), such as:
+ Severe stomach pain
+ Severe back pain
+ Severe nausea or vomiting
Severe dizziness or fainting
Swelling in the arms or legs
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Erectile dysfunction

Eye Problems:

This medication can cause certain eye problems, which may lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

Changes in vision
Eye pain

These symptoms usually occur within hours to weeks of starting the medication.

Skin Cancer Risk:

Rarely, people taking hydrochlorothiazide have developed certain types of skin cancer. To minimize your risk:

Protect your skin from the sun
Follow your doctor's recommendations for skin checks
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in the color or size of a mole, or any new or changing skin lump or growth

Other Side Effects:

Most people do not experience significant side effects, but some may occur. If you are bothered by any of the following side effects or if they persist, contact your doctor:

Dizziness
Signs of a common cold
* Back pain

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms.
A known sulfa allergy.
Current or planned use of dofetilide.
Difficulty urinating or inability to pass urine.
Dehydration; if you are dehydrated, discuss this with your doctor before taking the medication.
Concurrent use of a medication containing aliskiren, particularly if you have diabetes or kidney problems.

This is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the following with your doctor and pharmacist:

All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking.
Any natural products or vitamins you are using.
* Existing health problems.

Before starting, stopping, or modifying the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to ensure your safety. Verify that it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

When starting this medication, avoid driving and other activities that require alertness until you understand how it affects you. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position, and be cautious when climbing stairs.

If you have diabetes, closely monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your healthcare provider. Regularly check your blood pressure as advised, and undergo blood tests as recommended by your doctor to ensure your safety while taking this medication.

Be aware that this medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.

If you are using a salt substitute containing potassium, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium product, consult your doctor to discuss potential interactions. Similarly, if you are on a low-salt or salt-free diet, consult your doctor for guidance.

Before using over-the-counter (OTC) products that may increase blood pressure, such as cough or cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, or certain natural products, consult your doctor.

Exercise caution when consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other forms of cannabis, and avoid using prescription or OTC drugs that may cause drowsiness. Consult your doctor before using these substances.

In hot weather or during physical activity, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you experience excessive sweating, fluid loss, vomiting, or diarrhea, inform your doctor, as these conditions may lead to low blood pressure.

If you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, consult your pharmacist about the best way to take these medications with this drug, and be aware of the potential for gout attacks.

This medication may cause elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Discuss this risk with your doctor and monitor your levels as recommended.

If you have lupus, be aware that this medication can exacerbate the condition. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any new or worsening symptoms.

Older adults (65 years and older) should use this medication with caution, as they may be more susceptible to side effects.

If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks to your baby and determine the best course of action.

• Aliskiren (in patients with diabetes or renal impairment)
• Concomitant use with ACE inhibitors or other ARBs

• Lithium (increased serum lithium levels and toxicity)
• NSAIDs (including COX-2 inhibitors - reduced antihypertensive effect, increased risk of renal impairment)
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride)
• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium
• Other antihypertensive agents (additive hypotensive effect)

• Corticosteroids (increased risk of hypokalemia)
• Antidiabetic agents (oral agents and insulin - HCTZ may decrease glucose tolerance, requiring dose adjustment)
• Cholestyramine and colestipol resins (decreased absorption of HCTZ)
• Digoxin (hypokalemia/hypomagnesemia from HCTZ can increase digoxin toxicity)
• Muscle relaxants, non-depolarizing (enhanced effect)
• Pressor amines (e.g., norepinephrine - diminished response)

• Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics (additive orthostatic hypotension)

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Excessive thirst
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swelling in ankles or feet (rare, but can indicate fluid retention or other issues)

Contraindicated in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to significant risk of fetal injury and death. Avoid use in the first trimester if possible. If pregnancy is detected, discontinue as soon as possible.

Not recommended during breastfeeding. Both Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide are excreted in human milk. Potential for adverse effects on the breastfed infant (e.g., hypotension, electrolyte disturbances).

Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients. Use is generally not recommended.

No specific dose adjustment is required based on age alone. However, geriatric patients may be more susceptible to the hypotensive and electrolyte-disturbing effects. Monitor renal function and electrolytes closely.

• This combination is often used when monotherapy with an ARB or a thiazide diuretic is insufficient to control blood pressure.
• Not for initial therapy in most patients, unless the need for rapid and significant blood pressure reduction outweighs the risks of combination therapy.
• Patients should be advised to report any symptoms of electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat).
• Caution is advised in patients with severe aortic or mitral stenosis, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as ARBs can worsen outflow obstruction.
• Avoid in patients with a history of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy.
• Hydrochlorothiazide can exacerbate gout due to increased uric acid levels.

• ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril, Enalapril)
• Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Nifedipine)
• Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Carvedilol)
• Other diuretics (e.g., Loop diuretics like Furosemide, Potassium-sparing diuretics like Spironolactone)
• Direct Renin Inhibitors (e.g., Aliskiren - generally not recommended in combination with ARBs/ACEIs)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.