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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 water pill that helps to lower blood pressure and ease swelling from fluid (edema) caused by many health conditions, such as heart failure and kidney problems. Typically, you take hydrochlorothiazide by mouth once (sometimes twice) daily. Some common side effects of hydrochlorothiazide include 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 fluids (edema), in addition to other medications

  • 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
    •Does a good job getting rid of extra fluids in your body
    •A first choice treatment option if you have high blood pressure and heart failure
    •Provider can adjust dose based on your response
    •Might protect against osteoporosis over time since it raises the body's level of calcium
    Cons
    •Makes you urinate more often
    •Must be used with caution in people with severe kidney or liver problems
    •Raises risk of gout attacks in people with poor kidney function or a history of gout
    •Can cause electrolytes and fluid levels to be out of balance, which can be dangerous

  • 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
    •Skin more sensitive to sunlight
    •Temporary blurred vision
    •Headache
    •Low blood pressure
    •Electrolytes out of balance
    •Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection

  • 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
    •Vision problems
    •Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
    •Waste build up in body
    •Higher blood sugars
    •Gout
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Losartan vs. Hydrochlorothiazide

    Learn more about Losartan
    Learn more about Hydrochlorothiazide

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