Hyzaar

Common Name: losartan - hydrochlorothiazide

How does Hyzaar work?

This is a combination product that contains 2 medications (losartan and hydrochlorothiazide) used to lower high blood pressure. Losartan belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin II blockers and helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic or "water pill" that helps control blood pressure by getting rid of excess salt and water. This medication is most often prescribed when other drugs have been found not to be effective or to have side effects and when a person is stabilized on losartan and hydrochlorothiazide given individually. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you are unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Hyzaar?

Once the dose of each component (losartan and hydrochlorothizide) has been determined, the combination tablets (Hyzaar®) can be started. The recommended dose ranges are: Hyzaar tablets (losartan 50 mg - hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg): 1 or 2 tablets once daily. The maximum dose is 2 Hyzaar tablets per day. Hyzaar DS tablets (losartan 100 mg - hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg): 1 tablet once daily. The maximum dose is 1 Hyzaar DS tablet per day. The medication can be taken with or without food, but should be taken consistently with respect to food intake.

What form(s) does Hyzaar come in?

Hyzaar DS® is available as 100 mg losartan/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide. Each yellow, teardrop-shaped, film-coated tablet, marked with code "747" on one side and "HYZAAR" on the other, contains losartan 100 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose hydrous, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, and titanium dioxide.

What should I NOT take with Hyzaar?

This medication should not be taken by anyone who: is allergic to losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or any ingredient of this product has anuria (is able to pass little or no urine) is pregnant

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Hyzaar?

Kidney function: Use of this medication may affect the function of the kidneys, especially in those who already have problems. Kidney function should be monitored closely by the doctor for those people with pre-existing kidney function problems. This medication should not be used in people with severely impaired kidney function. Liver function: A lower-than-normal dose of losartan - hydrochlorothiazide may have to be used for those with reduced liver function. Lupus: There have been reports of worsening or activation of lupus in people taking hydrochlorothiazide, one of the ingredients in this medication. Gout: High levels of uric acid may occur in the blood or gout may be brought on in certain people receiving hydrochlorothiazide. Diabetes: Hydrochlorothiazide may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. Dose adjustment of antidiabetic agents, including insulin, may be required. Cholesterol: Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels may occur when taking hydrochlorothiazide. Low blood pressure: Occasionally, a greater-than-expected drop in blood pressure occurs after taking this medication. It is more likely to occur if one is taking additional diuretics (water pills), has reduced salt intake, is on dialysis, or is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. Blood pressure should be taken more often in these situations, and those with low blood pressure or just starting to take this medication should move slowly from a reclined to an upright position to reduce the risk of dizziness. Electrolytes: The levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride can be reduced, and the levels of calcium can be increased by the use of hydrochlorothiazide. The doctor will periodically check to see if these are in balance and a potassium supplement may be necessary when taking this drug. Warning signs or symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance include: dryness of mouth thirst weakness lethargy drowsiness restlessness seizures confusion muscle pains or cramps muscular fatigue low blood pressure racing heartbeat nausea and vomiting Pregnancy: This medication should not be taken by pregnant women. If pregnancy is detected, this drug should be stopped as soon as possible. Breast-feeding: It is not known if losartan is excreted in breast milk. Hydrochlorothiazide is excreted in breast milk. A decision should be made whether to stop taking the drug or to stop nursing based on the importance of the drug to the health of the mother. Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication for children is unknown. The use of this medication by children is not recommended.