Qsartan Plus tab 50/12.5mg Tablets

Hydrochlorothiazide and losartan are combined in one tablet to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

• Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker. It stops a natural substance from tightening blood vessels, so they relax and blood pressure falls.
• Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water tablet). It makes the kidneys pass more salt and water, which also lowers blood pressure.

Working in different ways, the two together give extra blood pressure control. Treating high blood pressure lowers the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney damage.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day.

• Swallow the tablet with a glass of water, with or without food.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well. It controls blood pressure but does not cure it.
• If you miss a dose, skip it and carry on as usual. Do not take an extra dose.
• Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor.
• Avoid too much salt, and do not use potassium salt substitutes unless your doctor agrees.

Common side effects include:

• dizziness, headache or trouble sleeping
• cough, blocked nose or sinus problems
• diarrhoea, stomach pain, feeling sick or indigestion
• muscle pain or cramps, back or leg pain
• tiredness or weakness

Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have:

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, rash, or difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe shortness of breath with fever or confusion
• reduced vision or eye pain (can start within hours to weeks)
• signs of dehydration or salt imbalance: dry mouth, thirst, weakness, confusion, muscle cramps, fast or uneven heartbeat
• blistering or peeling skin

Do not take it if you:

• are allergic to losartan, hydrochlorothiazide or sulfonamide ("sulfa") medicines
• have severe liver or kidney problems, gout, or uncorrected low potassium or sodium or high calcium
• have diabetes or kidney problems and take aliskiren

Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you:

• have heart failure, narrowed heart valves or kidney arteries, diabetes, lupus, asthma, or a past skin cancer
• take potassium supplements, other water tablets, ACE inhibitors, lithium, painkillers like ibuprofen, steroids or diabetes medicines
• have had severe vomiting or diarrhoea, or are on a low-salt diet
• are going to have surgery or an X-ray with iodine dye

Store below 25°C in the original container, away from heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy: tell your doctor if you are or might become pregnant. It is not recommended in early pregnancy and must not be taken after the first 3 months, as it can seriously harm the baby. It is not recommended while breastfeeding.

Dizziness: stand up slowly. Avoid alcohol, which can add to the effect. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.

Sunlight: hydrochlorothiazide can make skin sensitive to sun and may raise the risk of some skin cancers. Use sun protection and report new skin changes.

Avoid grapefruit juice.