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What is Hyzaar
 Losartan
is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
Hydrochlorothiazide
is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It increases the amount
of water and salt you lose in your urine. Hydrochlorothiazide
is used to lower blood pressure and to decrease edema (swelling).
Hyzaar
is used to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure).
Hyzaar
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Hyzaar
Do not take Hyzaar if you are pregnant or planning
a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters
of pregnancy, losartan can cause injury and even death to
the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if
you think you might be pregnant.
Use caution when
driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Hyzaar may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If
you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower
blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while
you are taking Hyzaar.
Who should not take Hyzaar
Do not take Hyzaar without first talking to your
doctor if you have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such
as sulfa antibiotics. You may have an allergic reaction
to hydrochlorothiazide.
Before taking Hyzaar, tell
your doctor if you
- have diabetes;
- have
gout;
- have a collagen vascular disease such as
systemic lupus erythematosus;
- have pancreatitis;
- have kidney disease;
- have liver disease;
- have any type of heart disease or have had a stroke;
- are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels
of potassium in your blood; or
- are taking potassium
supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others), or a potassium-sparing
diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium,
Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).
You may not be able to take Hyzaar, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Hyzaar
is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is
known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second
and third trimesters of pregnancy, losartan can cause injury
and even death of the developing fetus. Do not take this
medication if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether
this drug passes into breast milk. Do not take Hyzaar without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should take Hyzaar Take Hyzaar exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
You can
take Hyzaar with or without food.
Do not stop taking
this medication without first talking to your doctor. If
you stop taking this medication, your condition could become
worse.
Call your doctor before taking any more doses
if you develop severe dizziness or fainting.
Store
Hyzaar at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Hyzaar overdose are not well known but may include
dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.
Avoid while taking Hyzaar Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Hyzaar may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when
rising from a sitting or lying position.
Use alcohol
cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and
increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Hyzaar.
Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt may cause
your body to retain water and may decrease the effects of
hydrochlorothiazide.
Do not use salt substitutes
or take potassium supplements without first talking to your
doctor. Losartan can affect potassium levels in your body.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Hyzaar may
increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to
the sun is unavoidable.
Avoid becoming overheated
in hot weather. It is easy to become dangerously dehydrated
while taking hydrochlorothiazide.
Possible side effects of Hyzaar If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Hyzaar and call your doctor immediately
or seek emergency medical treatment.
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
little or no urine;
- unusual fatigue, abnormal bleeding
or bruising;
- yellow skin or eyes, confusion; or
- fainting.
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Hyzaar and
talk to your doctor if you experience
- diarrhea
or upset stomach;
- muscle pain or cramps;
-
dizziness;
- insomnia;
- congestion or cough;
- tingling or numbness in your arms, legs, hands,
or feet;
- excessive urination;
- muscle weakness
or cramps;
- increased hunger or thirst;
-
nausea or decreased appetite; or
- sensitivity to
sunlight.
Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect
that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Hyzaar Before taking Hyzaar, tell your doctor if you are
taking
- a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con,
and others;
- a potassium-sparing diuretic (water
pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone),
or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide);
- a
barbiturate such as phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), pentobarbital
(Nembutal), secobarbital (Seconal), mephobarbital (Mebaral),
and others;
- a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), ketoprofen
(Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren),
indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin
(Daypro), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), and others;
- an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol),
glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), chlorpropamide
(Diabinese), tolazamide (Tolinase), or tolbutamide (Orinase);
- cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);
- lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others); or
-
digoxin (Lanoxin).
You may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking
any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Hyzaar
or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
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