Hyzaar contains a combination of hydrochlorothiazide and losartan. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Losartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Hyzaar is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in certain people with heart disease.
Hyzaar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Hyzaar if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
You should not use Hyzaar if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to penicillin or sulfa drugs.
If you have diabetes, do not use Hyzaar together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
In rare cases, Hyzaar can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Hyzaar if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or losartan, if you are unable to urinate.
If you have diabetes, do not use Hyzaar together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking Hyzaar with aliskiren if you have kidney disease
To make sure Hyzaar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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kidney disease;
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liver disease;
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congestive heart failure;
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glaucoma;
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asthma;
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low or high levels of potassium in your blood;
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gout;
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lupus;
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diabetes; or
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an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Hyzaar if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Hyzaar can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether hydrochlorothiazide and losartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Hyzaar?
Take Hyzaar exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take Hyzaar with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medication. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Hyzaar. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store Hyzaar at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Hyzaar.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor"s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Hyzaar, unless your doctor has told you to.
Hyzaar side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Hyzaar: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, Hyzaar can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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eye pain, vision problems;
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;
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drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;
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fast or pounding heartbeats;
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pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
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jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
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high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling).
Common Hyzaar side effects may include:
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stomach pain;
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back pain;
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dizziness, tired feeling;
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skin rash;
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runny or stuffy nose, sore throat; or
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dry cough.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Hyzaar?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Hyzaar, especially:
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any other blood pressure medications;
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steroids (prednisone and others);
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lithium;
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cholestyramine or colestipol;
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insulin or oral diabetes medication;
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rifampin;
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a barbiturate--phenobarbital and others;
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any other diuretic or "water pill";
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NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others;
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a muscle relaxer--baclofen, carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, tizanidine, and others; or
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narcotic medication--codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Hyzaar, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
