Which drug is used in combination with Hydrochlorothiazide to treat hypertension?

Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that is commonly prescribed in combination with Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) for the treatment of hypertension. This combination is effective because it utilizes two different mechanisms to lower blood pressure: Losartan works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure, while Hydrochlorothiazide helps the kidneys eliminate excess sodium and water, thus reducing blood volume and lowering blood pressure.

Combining these two medications not only enhances the blood pressure-lowering effect but also allows for potentially lower doses of each drug, which can help minimize side effects. This strategy is beneficial because hypertension often requires multifactorial treatment to manage effectively.

While Atenolol and Metoprolol are both beta blockers that can also be used to manage high blood pressure, they are not typically combined with Hydrochlorothiazide in the same fixed-dose regimen as seen with Losartan and HCTZ. Simvastatin, on the other hand, is primarily a cholesterol-lowering medication and does not play a direct role in lowering blood pressure. Thus, these options do not serve the same purpose in hypertension management as the combination of Losartan and Hydrochlorothiaz