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
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 are the most serious risks of this medication?
Do not take this medication if you may be pregnant. Serious fetal side effects may occur. Talk to your care team right away if you are or think you may be pregnant. Your care team can help you find the treatment option that works for you.