Do you have high blood pressure? Or are you at risk of stroke because of high blood pressure along with heart disease? Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for you. There are two names for this pill, right? One is Losartan, and the other is Hydrochlorothiazide. Today, let's talk about what actually happens when you take a pill made by combining these two medications, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. In our country, this medication can be found under the brand name `Hyzaar`. These two medications work together to help control your blood pressure in two ways.
1. Losartan: This belongs to a class of drugs called ARB (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker). Think of your blood vessels as a pipe carrying water. If this pipe gets clogged, the pressure in the water increases, and when our blood vessels constrict, our blood pressure also increases. So, what this medicine called Losartan does is widen and relax your blood vessels. Then, the blood can flow through them easily without any obstruction, which lowers your blood pressure.
2. Hydrochlorothiazide: This is a type of medication called a `diuretic`. We often call it a ``water pill.'' It works by helping your kidneys get rid of excess water and salt in your body through urine. When the amount of fluid in your body decreases, the pressure inside your blood vessels also decreases.
Because these two mechanisms work together, this medication is very effective in controlling high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce the risk of stroke in people with heart disease.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor about the following information, as special care should be taken when giving this medicine under these conditions.
| Your situation | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This is very important. This medicine can cause serious harm to the baby during pregnancy. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | It is essential to seek medical advice as this medication may pass to the baby through breast milk. |
| Diabetes | Because this medication can affect blood sugar levels, the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted. |
| If you have kidney disease or low urine output | When the kidneys are not working properly, the way this medicine affects the body may change. |
| Liver disease | If liver function is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be changed. |
| Immune system diseases such as lupus | It is important to inform your doctor as this medication may worsen lupus. |
| If you are on a low-salt diet | It is important to inform your doctor as this can affect the body's salt balance. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes | It can be dangerous if you are allergic to this medicine or any of its ingredients. |
How should I use the medicine?
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Take the correct dosage exactly as your doctor prescribes. Try to take it at the same time every day .
- With or without food: This pill can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Don't stop: Keep taking the medicine as long as your doctor tells you to. Don't stop suddenly, even if you feel better.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
- If you overdose: If you accidentally take too many pills, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or herbal remedies you are taking, as some medications may interact with this one.
| Medicines that should not be taken with this medicine | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Dofetilide |
| Tranylcypromine | |
| Other medications that may interact with this medicine | |
| Other high blood pressure medications | Painkillers (NSAIDs) - eg: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Celecoxib |
| Diabetes medications | Lithium |
| Other Diuretics (water pills) - eg: Triamterene, Spironolactone | Potassium supplements |
| Barbiturates (e.g. Phenobarbital) | Steroids - e.g. Prednisone, Cortisone |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications - e.g. Cholestyramine, Colestipol | Rifampin |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Check your blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Ask your doctor what your normal blood pressure should be. Also, write down the numbers on a piece of paper so that it's easy to show your doctor.
- Avoid dehydration: This medicine increases the amount of water your body loses. So if you are very sick, vomiting, or sweating a lot , you may lose too much fluid from your body and become dehydrated. This can be dangerous. So drink enough water throughout the day. If you feel unwell, call your doctor for advice.
- Dizziness and fainting: This medicine may make you feel dizzy, especially when you get up from a sitting position. So , get up slowly when you get up from a sitting or lying position. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Drinking alcohol can make this condition worse.
- Protect yourself from the sun: This medicine may make your skin a little more sensitive to the sun. So, limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible. If you do go out, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Avoid using sun lamps and tanning beds. Also talk to your doctor about your risk of skin cancer.
- Salt substitutes: Do not use salt substitutes (which are high in potassium) unless your doctor advises you to do so.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of dehydration | Excessive thirst, dry mouth, fainting, dark yellow or brown urine. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Excessive decrease in blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Decreased potassium levels | Muscle pain or stiffness, unusual weakness, irregular heartbeat. |
| Eye pain or vision changes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Gout | Severe pain, redness, and swelling, especially in joints such as the big toe. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Dizziness | Headache |
| Stomach ache | Nasal congestion or runny nose |
| Change in sexual desire or activity | |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please tell your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is a combination of two types of drugs (losartan and hydrochlorothiazide) used to control high blood pressure.
- Take your medicine at the same time every day, just as your doctor tells you. Never change or stop the dose yourself.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor before starting this medicine.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as dizziness, fainting, severe diarrhea, vomiting, or skin rash.
- Store this medicine out of the reach of children and pets, at room temperature, and away from light.
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