The following information is a summary about Hyzaar. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Hyzaar medication prescribed?
The combination of Hyzaar/losartan and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure. Hyzaar blocks the action of certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels so blood flows more smoothly. Hyzaar also causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
This Hyzaar medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Hyzaar pharmacist for more Hyzaar information.
How should this medicine be used?
The combination of Hyzaar/losartan and hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Hyzaar is usually taken once or twice a day. If you are to take Hyzaar once a day, take Hyzaar in the morning; if you are to take Hyzaar twice a day, take Hyzaar in the morning and in the late afternoon to avoid having to go to the bathroom during the night. Follow the Hyzaar directions on your Hyzaar prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Hyzaar pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Hyzaar/losartan and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Hyzaar or take Hyzaar more often than prescribed by your doctor.
The combination of Hyzaar/losartan and hydrochlorothiazide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take Hyzaar/losartan and hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Hyzaar/losartan and hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your doctor.
What special Hyzaar precautions should I follow?
Before taking Hyzaar/losartan and hydrochlorothiazide,
tell your doctor and Hyzaar pharmacist if you are allergic to Hyzaar, losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and Hyzaar pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin, or Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), barbiturates (phenobarbital), corticosteroids (prednisone), digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), diuretics ('water pills'), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for diabetes, other medications for high blood pressure, potassium supplements, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. If you are also taking cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 1 hour after Hyzaar/losartan and hydrochlorothiazide.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had gout; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); asthma; thyroid, liver, heart, or kidney disease; or diabetes.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Hyzaar/losartan and hydrochlorothiazide.
you should know that this Hyzaar drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Hyzaar/losartan and hydrochlorothiazide will affect you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this Hyzaar drug.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Hyzaar/Losartan and hydrochlorothiazide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What special Hyzaar dietary instructions should I follow?
Take this Hyzaar medication with meals or a snack. Follow your doctor's directions. Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet or an exercise program, follow these directions carefully.
Hyzaar Side Effects
Although side effects from Hyzaar/losartan and hydrochlorothiazide are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Hyzaar symptoms are severe or do not go away:
cough
stomach pain
muscle aches
dizziness
congestion
thirst
hair loss
If you experience any of the following Hyzaar symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fainting
rash
sore throat with fever
unusual bleeding or bruising
Other uses for this Hyzaar medicine
This Hyzaar medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Hyzaar information.
What other Hyzaar information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Hyzaar.
Do not let anyone else take your Hyzaar medication. Ask your Hyzaar pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Hyzaar prescription.
In case of Hyzaar emergency/overdose
In case of Hyzaar overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What should I do if I forget a Hyzaar dose?
Take the missed Hyzaar dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Hyzaar dose, skip the missed Hyzaar dose and continue your regular Hyzaar dosing schedule. Do not take a double Hyzaar dose to make up for a missed one.
What storage conditions are needed for Hyzaar?
Keep Hyzaar in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Hyzaar at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Hyzaar medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Hyzaar medication.
