Hyzaar

Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Hyzaar

Hyzaar is a combination angiotensin II receptor blocker (Losartan) and a diuretic (Hydrochlorothiazide). Losartan (angiotensin II receptor blocker) acts by relaxing the blood vessels. Exactly how the Hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic) acts to decrease blood pressure is unknown, but it helps the kidneys to eliminate fluid and sodium from the body and also it reduces the peripheral resistance on long term use to reduce blood pressure.

Therapeutic Uses of Hyzaar

Hyzaar is used for treatment of high blood pressure and also to decrease the risk of stroke.

Direction of use of Hyzaar

Hyzaar should be used as directed by your doctor or as follows:

• Hyzaar is to be taken by mouth with food or without food.
• You should drink extra fluids while you are taking Hyzaar.
• Hyzaar may increase the amount of urine (as it contains a diuretic, Hydrochlorothiazide) or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. Take your dose of Hyzaar before 6 pm to keep this from disturbing your sleep.
• If you take cholestyramine or colestipol, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider like pharmacist how to take it with Hyzaar.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well, without missing a dose of it.
• If you have any question about how to take Hyzaar, you should ask your doctor.

If You Miss a Dose of Hyzaar

If you miss a dose of Hyzaar, take it as soon as you can remember it (but it should be before 6 pm). If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time for missing a dose of it.

How to Store Hyzaar

Hyzaar should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) can be done without any problem. Store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Hyzaar out of the reach of children.

More Information About Hyzaar

Hyzaar is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult with your doctor, the dose of the medicine may need change.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Hyzaar

Do not use Hyzaar if you have any of the following medical problems and consult your doctor immediately:

• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Hyzaar or to any other sulfonamide medicine (sulfamethoxazole).
• If you are taking dofetilide or ketanserin.
• If you are pregnant.
• If you have severe liver problem or kidney problem or if you are unable to urinate.

Important notes on Hyzaar:

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks, which require constant monitoring and attention, until you know how you react to Hyzaar.
• You should report any lightheadedness or fainting that may occur to you during taking Hyzaar to your doctor immediately. Your risk of lightheadedness or fainting may be increased if you also have diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, if you do not drink enough fluids, or if you are on a low-salt diet.
• Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment and you should be aware of this. You should keep taking your medicine even if you may not feel normal. Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
• Hyzaar may cause sunburn more easily and for this you should avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know that you do not react to Hyzaar. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• You should inform your doctor or dentist that you take Hyzaar before you receive any medical aid, dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• If you have high blood pressure, you should not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines.
• Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement for you during treatment with Hyzaar. If potassium supplement is prescribed for you, follow the dosing carefully. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first asking your doctor.
• Diabetes patients: Hyzaar may affect your blood sugar (increase blood sugar level). Check blood sugar levels closely. Do not change the dose of your diabetes medicine without asking your doctor.
• Hyzaar may raise your blood sugar. Symptoms of high blood sugar level are confusion, drowsiness, thirsty etc. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor (due to ketone bodies in ketoacidosis). If these symptoms occur, get medical attention right away.
• Hyzaar has not been shown to reduce the risk of stroke or certain heart problems in blacks who are suffering from high blood pressure.
• Hyzaar may interfere with certain lab tests, like parathyroid function tests. You should make sure that your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Hyzaar.
• Lab tests and other tests like kidney function test, regular blood pressure checking, and blood electrolytes, should be performed while you use Hyzaar. These tests may be used to monitor your condition and also to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and lab appointments without fail while you are on Hyzaar.
• Hyzaar should be used (if ever needed to use) with extreme caution in children, as the safety and effectiveness of Hyzaar in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast feeding: Do not take Hyzaar if you are pregnant as Hyzaar may cause birth defects or fetal death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away to discuss about the risks and benefits of using it during pregnancy. Hyzaar is found in breast milk and you should not breast feed your baby while taking Hyzaar.

Possible Adverse Effects of Hyzaar

• Back pain, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness (especially when sitting up or standing), numbness or tingling of the skin, tiredness etc. are the common and mild side effects of Hyzaar. If any of these common and mild side effects of Hyzaar become persistent or troublesome you should consult you doctor.
• Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the severe side effects of Hyzaar. The severe side effects of Hyzaar are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; severe vomiting, depression, seizures, restlessness, fainting, confusion; decrease in sexual ability; decreased urination, drowsiness, fast or irregular heartbeat; signs of infection (fever, chills, or persistent sore throat); hoarseness of voice; muscle pain, tenderness, and muscle cramps; skin becomes red, swollen, blistered or start peeling; severe or persistent dry mouth; shortness of breath; swelling of the arms or legs; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual thirst, unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes etc.

Desease

• high blood pressure