Major
Hydrochlorothiazide × Losartan
Thiazide diuretics×Angiotensin II receptor blockers (sartans)
Mechanism
A thiazide diuretic plus an ARB synergistically lower blood pressure: the thiazide reduces circulating volume, losartan vasodilates by suppressing the RAAS. This is a target combination in hypertension and available as a fixed-dose product (losartan + hydrochlorothiazide).
Symptoms
Excessive blood pressure drop during titration: postural dizziness, syncope. Hypokalaemia and hyponatraemia from the thiazide, plus a mild rise in creatinine, can occur in the first weeks.
Management
The combination is a treatment standard. Doses are individualised, usually starting with losartan 50 mg + hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg/day. Check potassium, sodium, and creatinine 2–4 weeks after start, then annually.
Sources
- Lexicomp: Lexicomp Drug Interactions (2024)– Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. Lexi-Interact Online, 2024
- Pharmaceutical Press: Stockley's Drug Interactions, 12th edition (2024)– Preston CL (ed.). Stockley's Drug Interactions. 12th ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2024