Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide
About Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide
Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the class of ‘anti-hypertensive drugs’ primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension is a medical condition, in which the blood exerts high pressure (force exerted by circulating blood) against blood vessel's walls. This condition makes the heart to work harder in pumping the blood to the whole body. Hypertension can cause severe health complications, including stroke, heart failure, heart attack, and kidney failure.
Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide consists of three anti-hypertensive medicines, namely: Losartan, Atenolol, and Hydrochlorothiazide. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist which relaxes blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of drugs known as diuretics/'water pills.' It works by causing you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra salt and water . Atenolol is a beta blocker that works specifically on the heart to slow down the heart rate. Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide lowers the raised blood pressure and increases the blood flow by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. Thus, it prevents angina (heart-related chest pain) and uneven heartbeats (arrhythmias).
In some cases, Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide can cause side effects like sleepiness, taste changes, ankle swelling, headache, dizziness, cold extremities (hands and feet), numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, tiredness, palpitations (irregular heartbeat) and upset stomach. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Please inform your doctor if you are using any prescription, non-prescription drugs, including vitamins and herbal products. Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide or any other medicines, before starting Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide. Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, oedema (fluid retention), electrolyte imbalance, muscle disorders, dehydration, breathing problems (asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), and blood circulation problems (Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease). It is advised to consult a doctor if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding mother. Do not stop taking Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide without consulting your doctor since it may worsen your condition and increase the risk of future heart problems. Do not consume alcohol with Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure.
Uses of Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide
Medicinal Benefits
Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide is an anti-hypertensive medicine that treats high blood pressure (hypertension). It contains three anti-hypertensive medicines, namely: Losartan, Atenolol, and Hydrochlorothiazide. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. It lowers the blood pressure and increases the blood flow by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. Atenolol is a beta-blocker and is used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and uneven heartbeats (arrhythmias). It blocks the action of epinephrine or adrenaline that is released during extreme emotions. This helps in lowering the blood pressure, heart rate and strain on the heart. It reduces the heart rate and makes the heart to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. Atenolol is also used to protect the heart during treatment of a heart attack. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the class of diuretics (water pill) with antihypertensive activity. It inhibits sodium reabsorption from absorbing in the kidneys and increases the excretion of sodium, potassium electrolytes, water, and hydrogen ions.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide
- Sleepiness
- Taste changes
- Ankle swelling
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Cold extremities (hands and feet)
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips,
- Tiredness
- Palpitations (irregular heartbeat)
- Upset stomach
- Slow heart rate
- Electrolyte imbalance
Drug Warnings
Avoid the use of Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide in case you have low blood pressure, diabetes, gout, glaucoma, lupus (immune system disorder), hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels), heart problems, undergone heart by pass surgery, oedema (fluid overload), asthma, muscle disorders (myasthenia gravis), breathing problems (asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), blood circulation problems let your doctor know about this. If you are undergoing treatment with heart-related medicine called epinephrine, please inform your doctor before using Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide. Avoid potassium supplements with Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide as it may lead to high potassium levels in the blood. Too much sweating, diarrhoea, or vomiting while using Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide may lead to dehydration, hence it is advised to drink enough fluids. Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide can affect and harm the developing baby during pregnancy. Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide is also excreted into the breast milk. Consult your doctor before using Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding mother. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Take Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide 4 hours before bedtime to avoid frequent urination during the night.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide may interact with other blood pressure treating medicines (amlodipine, aliskiren, benazepril, lisinopril), water pills (furosemide), drugs treating mood disorders (alprazolam, lithium), stomach acid treating medicines (esomeprazole), vitamins (cholecalciferol), pain killers (naproxen, ibuprofen), multiple sclerosis treating drugs (fingolimod), vomiting medicine (dolasetron), drugs treating abnormal heart rhythms (dofetilide), fits medicine (pregabalin), cholesterol-lowering drugs (cholestyramine, colestipol), birth control pills (that contain drospirenone), and cough and cold products.
Drug-Food Interaction: Minimize high potassium foods intake and avoid over-the-counter potassium supplements, grapefruit or juice. Alcohol may increase the side effects of Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide. It is also advised to avoid drinking apple and orange juices within 4 hours of taking Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide since they prevent your body from fully absorbing atenolol in Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide.
Drug-Disease Interaction: People with low blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, severe dehydration, diabetes, gout, lupus, oedema, hyperkalaemia, heart diseases, asthma, muscle disorders (myasthenia gravis), breathing problems (asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), heart rhythm problems (slow heartbeat, second or third-degree atrioventricular block), and blood circulation problems (Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease) should consult the doctor before taking Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is unsafe to consume alcohol, since alcohol consumption with Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide may increase the risk of low blood pressure and cause adverse effects, such as dizziness, fainting, light-headedness or headache.
Pregnancy
unsafeLosartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended and unsafe in pregnancy. It can affect and harm the developing baby. Consult your doctor before taking Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide if you plan to become pregnant or already pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before prescribing Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAtenolol and Hydrochlorothiazide in Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide are excreted into the breast milk. It is not recommended to use Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor for more information before taking Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
cautionLosartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide may cause side effects like dizziness, headaches, nausea or tiredness, which can affect your ability to concentrate and drive. Hence, it is recommended not to drive or operate machinery until you are mentally alert.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide. The dosage will be initiated in lower doses and will be further increased in patients with liver diseases. However, Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Kidney
cautionLosartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide may affect the kidney functioning. Hence it is advised to seek doctor advice before starting Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide if you have kidney problems. However, it is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment.
Children
unsafeSafety and effectiveness of Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide in paediatric patients has not been established. Please seek medical advice for more information.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Reduce sodium intake in your diet to maintain your blood pressure.
- Eat natural and healthy foods by cutting down on high on sodium processed foods.
- Lose those extra pounds, since being obese can be a risk factor for hypertension.
- Exercise regularly to maintain good heart health.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
- Chronic stress may also cause high blood pressure. Therefore, avoid stress triggers and make time for yourself to relax and do activities that you enjoy.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.
- Limit sodium chloride intake (table salt) in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day or less than 1500 mg is ideal for most adults.
Special Advise
- You may be asked by your doctor to undergo blood and urine tests, if you have been suffering from vomiting or dehydration.
- Thiazide diuretics like Hydrochlorothiazide may increase serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Hence it is advised to monitor your cholesterol levels regularly.
- Therapy with Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide should be discontinued if you have been suggested tests for parathyroid function in cases like hyperparathyroidism.
- Your doctor may also suggest thyroid function tests since thiazide diuretics like Hydrochlorothiazide may decrease serum PBI (protein-bound iodine) levels.
- Regular monitoring of electrolytes as advised by your doctor
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension is a medical condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently in the arteries. It is considered as an essential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and can be caused due to obesity, diabetes, smoking, high salt intake, stress, lack of physical activity or ageing. Blood pressure is measured in the ratio of systolic pressure to diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg and, diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Ideal blood pressure range lies in between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. If the blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or greater, it is considered high blood pressure.
FAQs
Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide consists of anti-hypertensive/ blood pressure-lowering drugs: Losartan, Atenolol, and Hydrochlorothiazide. These medicines collectively lower the blood pressure by preventing the fluid build-up, improving the excretion of electrolytes and water from the body, and widening the blood vessels. Thus together, it helps lower increased blood pressure and prevents oedema (swelling due to fluid overload).
Yes, Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide can make you feel dizzy. Dizziness usually occurs when you suddenly stand up from a lying or sitting position. Try rising slowly when you change your posture to relieve from dizziness. If the side effect persists longer, please seek medical help.
It is advised to limit potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocado, broccoli, dates, and mushrooms since Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide may cause high potassium levels in the blood leading to hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels in the blood). It is also advised to avoid drinking apple and orange juices within 4 hours of taking Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide since they prevent your body from fully absorbing atenolol in Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide.
Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide can cause high potassium levels in the blood leading to hyperkalaemia. Hence it is not recommended to use potassium supplements along with Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide. However, consult your doctor if you are already taking other medicines before starting Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide.
Do not stop using Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel better. It should be strictly used as advised by your doctor to avoid the recurrence of symptoms and worsening of the disease.
Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide may cause frequent urination since it is composed of a diuretic (water pill), Hydrochlorothiazide that increases the urination. It is advised to take Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide at least 4 hours before bedtime to avoid waking up in the night to urinate. Also, take enough fluids to cope up with the dehydration caused by frequent urination.
Losartan in Losartan+atenolol+hydrochlorothiazide relaxes small blood vessels, in turn may cause stuffy nose.
Take a missed dose as soon as you remember about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
