Hyzaar

Generic name: Losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide

What is Hyzaar?

Hyzaar is a combination drug used to treat high blood pressure. It consists of losartan, which belongs to the class of angiotensin II receptor blockers, and hydrochlorothiozide, which is a diuretic. Hyzaar is also used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle).

What is the most important information I should know about Hyzaar?

Do not use Hyzaar during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. This drug can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Tell your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.

You must take Hyzaar regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may take several weeks for you to get the full benefit of Hyzaar. You must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Hyzaar does not cure blood pressure. It only keeps it under control.

Who should not take Hyzaar?

Do not take Hyzaar if you are sensitive to any component of this drug, if you are sensitive to sulfa drugs, or if you are unable to urinate.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Hyzaar?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Hyzaar. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver disease, gout, diabetes, high cholesterol, a history of allergy or asthma, or systemic lupus erythematosus.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

High Blood Pressure

Adults: Hyzaar comes in 3 strengths: 50/12.5 mg (50 milligrams of losartan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide), 100/12.5mg, and 100/25mg. The usual starting dose is one 50/12.5mg tablet per day.

If your blood pressure does not respond to this dose after about 3 weeks, the doctor may increase the dose to two 50/12.5 mg tablets taken once daily or one 100/25mg tablet taken once daily.

High Blood Pressure with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

The usual starting dose is one 50/12.5 mg tablet taken once daily. The dose may be increased to one 100/12.5mg or 100/25mg tablet taken once daily.

How should I take Hyzaar?

Take Hyzaar exactly as prescribed. It can be taken with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day so that it is easier to remember.

What should I avoid while taking Hyzaar?

Hyzaar may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Hyzaar.

Use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position. Hyzaar may cause low blood pressure and you may feel lightheaded or faint. Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting can deplete your body fluids and cause your blood pressure to drop too low. Be careful when exercising and in hot weather.

Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt may cause your body to retain water and may decrease the effects of hydrochlorothiazide. Avoid using salt substitutes without first talking to your doctor.

Avoid spending too much time in natural or artificial sunlight. Hyzaar may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Hyzaar?

If Hyzaar is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Hyzaar with the following: barbiturates, blood pressure drugs such as atenolol or nifedipine, cholestyramine, colestipol, corticosteroids such as prednisone, diabetes drugs such as insulin or glyburide, diuretics that increase the level of potassium in your body (eg, spironolactone, triamterene and amiloride), fluconazole, lithium, narcotics such as morphine or methadone, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, norepinephrine, potassium supplements, rifampin, salt substitutes containing potassium, skeletal muscle relaxants such as tubocurarine

What are the possible side effects of Hyzaar?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection

Can I receive Hyzaar if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

When used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, Hyzaar can cause injury or even death to the unborn child. Stop taking Hyzaar as soon as you know you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Do not breastfeed while taking Hyzaar.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Hyzaar?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Hyzaar?

Keep in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect from light.