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Compare Losartan vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Losartan (Cozaar) and hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they work in different ways. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that helps relax blood vessels and reduce water and salt retention, while hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) that makes you urinate more to remove extra fluid and certain electrolytes from your body. Losartan is typically taken once daily and can also help protect against stroke and slow down kidney problems in people with diabetes. Hydrochlorothiazide can be taken once or twice daily. Common side effects of losartan include dizziness and upper respiratory infections, whereas hydrochlorothiazide can cause dizziness, increased urination, and sensitivity to sunlight. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.

  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Hydrochlorothiazide
  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Hydrochlorothiazide

  • Summary of Losartan vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Losartan, also known by the brand name Cozaar, is a first-choice medication that's used to lower blood pressure. It's also shown to protect against stroke in certain people. In addition, this medication can slow down the worsening of kidney problems in certain people with diabetes. Losartan (Cozaar) belongs to the drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). This medication is taken by mouth once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, and upper respiratory infections.

    Summary for Diuretic (water pill)
    Prescription only

    Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic or water pill. It helps lower blood pressure. It also helps with swelling from fluid buildup (edema) caused by some health conditions, like heart failure and kidney problems. People of all ages can take hydrochlorothiazide tablets and capsules. But children typically take much smaller, weight-based doses. You typically take your dose by mouth once (sometimes twice) daily, but avoid nighttime dosing so you won't wake up to urinate. Some common side effects are dizziness and urinating more often.

  • Indications of Losartan vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure who have a thickened heart (left ventricular hypertrophy)
    •Slow down the worsening of kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling in the body from fluid buildup (edema)

  • Pros and Cons of Losartan vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure medication, including for those with heart failure, diabetes, and kidney problems
    •Taken once per day
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old
    •Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling
    Cons
    •Might cause dizziness
    •Might not work as well for Black people as other blood pressure medications do
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    •Can interact with medications like lithium and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    Pros and Const for Diuretic (water pill)
    Pros
    •Helps getting rid of extra fluid in your body
    •A first-choice treatment option if you have high blood pressure or heart failure
    •Dose can be adjusted based on how well it's working for you
    Cons
    •Can make you urinate more often
    •Can cause electrolytes and fluid levels to be out of balance, which can be dangerous
    •Might not be a good option for people with a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Losartan vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (2%)
    •Back pain (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Headache
    •Blurry vision
    •Low blood pressure
    •Change in electrolyte levels

  • Warnings of Losartan vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low fluid and electrolyte levels in the body
    •Possibly higher calcium levels
    •Higher blood sugar
    •Risk of gout
    •Risk of vision problems and glaucoma
    •Use with caution in people with kidney problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Losartan vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Learn more about Losartan
    Learn more about Hydrochlorothiazide

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