Licolos Plus (Losartan Potassium, Hydrochlorothiazide)

Licolos Plus is an antihypertensive combination that lowers blood pressure by targeting the renin‑angiotensin system and promoting diuresis.

• Hypertension: provides effective reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• Hypertension with volume overload: adds diuretic action to improve control in patients retaining fluid.
• Hypertension in diabetic patients: helps protect renal function while managing blood pressure.

• Losartan potassium selectively blocks the AT1 angiotensin II receptor, preventing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release. Hydrochlorothiazide inhibits sodium‑chloride reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing urinary excretion of water and electrolytes. The combined actions reduce peripheral vascular resistance and plasma volume, resulting in lowered arterial pressure.

Adverse reactions may occur with any antihypertensive therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness or light‑headedness, especially after the first dose.
• Headache.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Increased urination.
• Electrolyte disturbances such as low potassium.
• Mild gastrointestinal upset.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension.
• Acute kidney injury.
• Hyperkalemia.
• Allergic reactions including rash or angioedema.
• Liver enzyme elevations.
• Blood dyscrasias such as agranulocytosis.

Before initiating therapy, consider patient‑specific factors and monitor appropriately.

• Pregnancy: avoid use; classified as Category D due to fetal risk.
• Renal impairment: assess kidney function and adjust dose if needed.
• Hepatic disease: use with caution; monitor liver enzymes.
• Electrolyte balance: check serum potassium and sodium regularly.
• Concomitant potassium‑sparing agents: increase risk of hyperkalemia.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C, in the original container, protected from moisture and light.

Drug interactions can modify the efficacy or safety of the combination.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment: risk of severe hypotension and renal dysfunction.
• Potassium supplements or potassium‑sparing diuretics: may cause dangerous hyperkalemia.
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): can blunt antihypertensive effect and worsen renal function.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Lithium: increased lithium levels, monitor for toxicity.
• Antidiabetic agents: may require dose adjustment due to enhanced glucose lowering.
• Other antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta‑blockers): monitor blood pressure for additive effects.
• CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole): may raise losartan levels.
• Thiazide‑sparing diuretics: monitor electrolytes for imbalance.