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Drug interactions

Hydrochlorothiazide-losartan + Insulin lispro protamine / insulin lispro

Severity: Moderate

Hydrochlorothiazide-losartan and Insulin lispro protamine / insulin lispro: moderate interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Angiotensin receptor blockers can improve insulin sensitivity and may increase the glucose-lowering effect of insulin. Patients may experience more frequent or more severe hypoglycemia, particularly when the ARB is first started. Hydrochlorothiazide can work in the opposite direction by worsening glucose tolerance.

What this interaction means in plain words

Hydrochlorothiazide-losartan and Insulin lispro protamine / insulin lispro can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

ARBs may enhance insulin sensitivity, while thiazides can impair glucose tolerance, so the net effect on glycemic control is variable.

What to do

Monitor blood glucose more often when starting or stopping the combination and reduce the insulin dose if hypoglycemia occurs. Counsel the patient on the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Hydrochlorothiazide-losartan with Insulin lispro protamine / insulin lispro?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrochlorothiazide-losartan and Insulin lispro protamine / insulin lispro can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Angiotensin receptor blockers can improve insulin sensitivity and may increase the glucose-lowering effect of insulin. Patients may experience more frequent or more severe hypoglycemia, particularly when the ARB is first started. Hydrochlorothiazide can work in the opposite direction by worsening glucose tolerance.

How serious is the interaction between Hydrochlorothiazide-losartan and Insulin lispro protamine / insulin lispro?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose more often when starting or stopping the combination and reduce the insulin dose if hypoglycemia occurs. Counsel the patient on the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

What other medicines interact with Hydrochlorothiazide-losartan?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrochlorothiazide-losartan with, for example, Aliskiren, Dofetilide, Sparsentan. The full list is on the Hydrochlorothiazide-losartan page.

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