Side effects of losartan hydrochlorothiazide
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Side Effects of Losartan Hydrochlorothiazide
Common Side Effects of Losartan Hydrochlorothiazide
Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, are often combined to treat hypertension. This combination is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The most frequently reported side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, and upper respiratory infections . These side effects are generally mild and occur at a similar rate to those experienced by patients taking a placebo .
Dizziness and Fatigue
Dizziness is one of the most common side effects associated with losartan hydrochlorothiazide, reported by approximately 14.1% of patients . This side effect is considered drug-related more often in patients treated with losartan compared to those receiving a placebo. Fatigue or asthenia is another common side effect, affecting around 3.8% of patients .
Respiratory Issues
Upper respiratory infections and sinusitis are also reported by patients taking losartan hydrochlorothiazide, with an incidence rate of about 6.5% . These respiratory issues are generally mild and do not usually require discontinuation of the medication .
Cough
A dry cough is a less common side effect, occurring in about 3.1% of patients . This is significantly lower than the incidence of cough in patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, where the rate is around 8.8% .
Hypotension and Withdrawal Effects
First-dose hypotension is rare with losartan hydrochlorothiazide, and withdrawal effects such as rebound hypertension have not been observed in clinical trials. This makes the combination a safer option for long-term management of hypertension.
Laboratory Findings
No unexpected or clinically significant laboratory adverse experiences have been reported with losartan hydrochlorothiazide . The combination does not significantly affect serum potassium levels, which is a common concern with thiazide diuretics.
Comparison with Other Antihypertensive Agents
When compared to other antihypertensive agents like enalapril and amlodipine, losartan hydrochlorothiazide has a better tolerability profile. The incidence of drug-related adverse effects and patient withdrawal from therapy is lower with losartan hydrochlorothiazide . Additionally, losartan hydrochlorothiazide does not significantly increase serum uric acid levels, unlike enalapril.
Conclusion
Losartan hydrochlorothiazide is generally well-tolerated with a side effect profile that includes dizziness, fatigue, upper respiratory infections, and occasional cough. These side effects are typically mild and occur at rates similar to those seen with placebo. The combination is safer in terms of hypotension and withdrawal effects and has a favorable laboratory safety profile. Compared to other antihypertensive agents, losartan hydrochlorothiazide offers better tolerability and fewer adverse effects, making it a viable option for long-term hypertension management.
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