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>> Losartan Potassium
Losartan Potassium
Molecular Weight 461.01
CAS Registry Number 124750-99-8
Identifiers
ATC code C09CA01
PubChem 3961
DrugBank APRD00052
Chemical data
Formula C22H23ClN6O
Mol. mass 422.91
SMILES eMolecules & PubChem
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability 25–35%
Metabolism Hepatic (CYP2C9, CYP3A4)
Half life 1.5–2 hours
Excretion Renal 13–25%, biliary 50–60%
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.
D(AU) D(US)
Legal status
Prescription only
Routes Oral
Why is Losartan potassium and
Hydrochlorothiazide prescribed?
Hyzaar is a combination medication used in the treatment of high blood
pressure. One component, losartan, belongs to a new class of blood pressure
medications that work by preventing the hormone angiotensin II from
constricting the blood vessels, thus allowing blood to flow more freely and
keeping the blood pressure down. The other component, hydrochlorothiazide,
is a diuretic that increases the output of urine, removing excess fluid from
the body and thus lowering blood pressure.
Most important fact about Losartan
potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide
You must take Hyzaar regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure
declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit
of Hyzaar, and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well.
Hyzaar does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take Losartan
potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide?
Hyzaar may be taken with or without food. Take Hyzaar exactly as directed.
Try to take it at the same time each day so that it is easier to remember.
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If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule.
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Storage instructions...
Keep in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect from light.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it
is safe for you to continue taking Hyzaar.
Why should Losartan potassium and
Hydrochlorothiazide not be prescribed?
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to losartan, hydrochlorothiazide,
or sulfa drugs, you should not take Losartan potassium and
Hydrochlorothiazide. If you are unable to urinate, do not take Hyzaar.
Special warnings about Losartan potassium
and Hydrochlorothiazide
If you are taking Hyzaar and have kidney disease, your doctor will watch
your kidney function carefully.
Hyzaar can cause low blood pressure, especially
if you are also taking another diuretic. You may feel light-headed or faint,
especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur,
contact your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued. If
you actually faint, stop taking the medication until you have talked to your
doctor.
If you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, gout, or lupus erythematosus,
Hyzaar should be used with caution. This drug may bring out hidden diabetes.
If you are already taking insulin or oral diabetes drugs, your medication
may have to be adjusted. If you have bronchial asthma or a history of
allergies, you may be at greater risk for an allergic reaction to Losartan
potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide.
Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea or vomiting could deplete your body
fluids and cause your blood pressure to drop too low. Be careful when
exercising and in hot weather. Call your doctor if your mouth becomes dry,
you feel weak or tired or sluggish, you are unusually thirsty, you feel
restless or confused, you ache all over, your heart starts beating faster,
or you are nauseated. Rare but serious allergic reactions to Hyzaar have
been reported. If you develop swelling of the face, lips, or throat, call
your doctor immediately. Serious swelling could obstruct your breathing.
Possible food and drug interactions when
taking Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide
Hyzaar may increase the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcohol while taking
Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide.
If Hyzaar is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be
increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with
your doctor before taking Hyzaar with the following:
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Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and
secobarbital
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Cholestyramine
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Colestipol
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Corticosteroids
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Diuretics that leave potassium in the body, such
as amiloride, spironolactone, and triamterene
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Indomethacin
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Insulin
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Ketoconazole
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Lithium
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Narcotic painkillers such as codeine, meperidine,
and oxycodone
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as
naproxen and ibuprofen
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Other blood pressure-lowering drugs such as
atenolol and nifedipine
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Oral diabetes drugs such as chlorpropamide,
glipizide, and glyburide
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Potassium supplements
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Salt substitutes containing potassium
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Sulfaphenazole
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Troleandomycin
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Information
concerning Hyzaar overdosage is limited. However, extremely low blood
pressure and abnormally rapid or slow heartbeat may be signs of an overdose.
Other signs may include dryness and thirst, overall weakness and tiredness,
restlessness and confusion, muscle pains, nausea, and vomiting.
If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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