Description
INTRODUCTION
LOSTAT H is a combination of Hydrochlorothiazide and Losartan which belongs to the group of medicines called Thiazide like diuretics and Angiotensin II receptor antagonists respectively. LOSTAT H is indicated for the management of essential hypertension. Essential hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) is a medical condition in which the force of the blood exerted against the walls of the artery remains very high, and as a result it may lead to severe damage to the blood vessels of several organs, thus causing heart attack, heart or kidney failure, stroke, or even blindness.
Losartan is an Angiotensin-receptor blocker which effectively reduces blood pressure by blocking the actions of Angiotensin – II (a substance that causes narrowing of blood vessels and increase in blood pressure) and hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic which acts by increasing urine output, thus leading to a decrease in blood pressure. During management with LOSTAT H your doctor might regularly monitor your blood pressure, kidney function and electrolyte levels at regular intervals to avoid any untoward side effects.
LOSTAT H is not suitable for use in children (aged less than 18 years) and in adult patients with severe kidney or liver impairment. Long-term use of LOSTAT H may increase the risk of some types of skin and lip cancer, and therefore always protect your skin from sun rays and UV exposure. LOSTAT H is not recommended for use in breast-feeding women and pregnant women (especially after 3 months of gestation), as it may cause potential harm to the unborn baby. The most common side effects of LOSTAT H are cough, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, tiredness, and headache. Consult your doctor if any of the symptom bothers you.
USES OF LOSTAT H
- Manages essential hypertension
HOW LOSTAT H WORKS
LOSTAT H reduces elevated blood pressure, where hydrochlorothiazide works by making the kidneys pass more water and salt (i.e., urine) and losartan works by inhibiting the binding of angiotensin II (a substance produced in the kidneys which causes narrowing of blood vessels) to its receptors, thus causing the blood vessels to relax which in turn decreases elevated blood pressure.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take LOSTAT H as advised by your physician. Swallow LOSTAT H with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
SIDE EFFECTS OF LOSTAT H
COMMON
- cough
- respiratory problems (infections in upper airway, nasal congestion, or sinusitis)
- diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, indigestion
- muscle pain or cramps
- pain in legs and back
- lack of sleep (insomnia)
- headache
- dizziness
- tiredness or weakness
- chest pain
- signs of increased potassium levels (muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, chest pain)
- altered kidney function
- signs of low blood sugar (dizziness, shaking, sweating, tiredness, and fast heartbeat)
UNCOMMON
- anemia
- red or brownish spots on the skin
- clotting problems
- loss of appetite
- gout (increased uric acid levels)
- signs of increased blood sugar levels (increased thirst, blurred vision, weakness)
- abnormal blood electrolyte levels
- anxiety, nervousness, panic disorder
- confusion, depression, abnormal dreams
- sleep disorders, sleepiness, memory impairment
- tingling or prickling sensation in arms, hands, legs, or feet
- trembling, migraine, fainting
- blurred vision, burning or stinging in the eyes, conjunctivitis
- worsening eyesight, seeing things in yellow
- ringing, buzzing, roaring or clicking in the ears
- vertigo (spinning sensation)
- low blood pressure associated with postural changes (feeling light-headed or weak when you stand up)
- inflammation of blood vessels (associated with skin rash or bleeding)
- sore throat, breathlessness, bronchitis, pneumonia
- nosebleed, runny nose, congestion
- constipation, obstipation
- wind, stomach upsets, stomach spasms, vomiting, dry mouth
- inflammation of a salivary gland, toothache
- jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- itching, inflammation of skin, rash, redness of the skin, sensitivity to light, dry skin, flushing, sweating, hair loss
- joint swelling, stiffness, muscle weakness
- frequent urination including at night, urinary infection
- sugar in urine (glycosuria)
- decreased sexual appetite, impotence
- swelling of the face, localized swelling (oedema)
- fever
RARE
Stop taking LOSTAT H and contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following side effects:
- severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat, and difficulty in swallowing or breathing)
- kidney failure
- bleeding or bruising, repeated infections (due to low white blood cells)
- heart problems (such as an abnormal heartbeat, cerebrovascular accident or heart attack)
- fluid accumulation in the lungs
- pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas which results in severe pain in the back and abdomen)
- toxic epidermal necrolysis (skin rash with blisters and skin peeling)
- hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea:
Take LOSTAT H with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals and avoid eating rich or spicy food. If the symptom did not improve, consult your doctor.
Indigestion:
Eat smaller and frequent meals. Try to eat and drink slowly and follow a regular physical activity. If the symptom did not improve, consult your doctor.
Diarrhea:
Drink lots of fluids, such as water, fruit juice or electrolytes to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid taking medicine on your own to manage diarrhea. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve on its own.
Stomach pain:
Try to rest and relax. Try to eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keep a heat pad on your stomach and avoid eating rich or spicy food. If the symptom did not improve, consult your doctor.
Headache:
Rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Apply a pain-relieving balm on the head if required. Do not consume too much of alcohol. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.
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