Losartan Hydrochlorothiazide Uses

Losartan hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in people with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the left lower chamber of the heart). However, this benefit (reduced risk of stroke) is not seen in African-Americans.

There may be other uses of losartan hydrochlorothiazide—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Losartan Hydrochlorothiazide Mechanism of Action

Losartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists or ARBs. It blocks the action of a substance that causes the narrowing of the blood vessels, thereby relaxing or widening the blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic or water pill. It lowers blood pressure by increasing the amount of salt and water removed from the body by the kidneys. These two medications have an additive antihypertensive effect.

Losartan Hydrochlorothiazide Doses

Losartan hydrochlorothiazide combination is available as tablets in the following dosages:

• Losartan 50 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg tablet
• Losartan 100 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg tablet
• Losartan 100 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg tablet

The usual starting dose of losartan hydrochlorothiazide is one 50/12.5 mg tablet once daily. This dose can be increased after 3 weeks, up to a maximum of 100/25 mg once daily.