Losartan with hydrochlorothiazide side effects
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Side Effects of Losartan with Hydrochlorothiazide
Common Side Effects of Losartan with Hydrochlorothiazide
Losartan combined with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The most frequently reported side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, sinusitis, and upper respiratory infections . These side effects are typically mild and occur at a slightly higher incidence than in patients treated with a placebo.
Comparison with Other Antihypertensive Agents
When compared to other antihypertensive agents such as enalapril and benazepril, losartan/HCTZ tends to have fewer adverse reactions. For instance, losartan/HCTZ was associated with a significantly lower incidence of cough compared to enalapril/HCTZ. Additionally, losartan/HCTZ did not increase serum uric acid levels, unlike enalapril/HCTZ. In elderly patients, losartan combined with HCTZ showed fewer drug-related adverse reactions compared to benazepril combined with HCTZ.
Specific Adverse Experiences
Dizziness and Fatigue
Dizziness and fatigue are common side effects associated with losartan/HCTZ. These symptoms were reported in about 14.1% and 3.8% of patients, respectively. Dizziness was the only side effect considered to be drug-related more frequently in losartan-treated patients compared to those receiving a placebo.
Respiratory Issues
Upper respiratory infections and sinusitis were also noted as common side effects, occurring in 6.5% and 4% of patients, respectively . These respiratory issues were slightly more common in patients treated with losartan/HCTZ than in those given a placebo.
Hypotension and Withdrawal Effects
First-dose hypotension and withdrawal effects such as rebound hypertension were rarely observed in clinical trials involving losartan/HCTZ. This indicates a favorable safety profile for the combination therapy in terms of blood pressure stability.
Laboratory Findings
No unexpected or clinically significant laboratory adverse experiences were reported with losartan/HCTZ. The combination therapy did not lead to significant changes in laboratory parameters, making it a safe option for long-term use .
Conclusion
Losartan combined with hydrochlorothiazide is an effective and generally well-tolerated treatment for hypertension. While common side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, sinusitis, and upper respiratory infections, these are typically mild and manageable. Compared to other antihypertensive agents, losartan/HCTZ has a favorable side effect profile, particularly in terms of respiratory issues and serum uric acid levels. Overall, this combination therapy offers a balanced approach to managing hypertension with a relatively low incidence of adverse effects.
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