Brand Names: Hyzaar

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and losartan (Pronunciation: HYE droe KLOR oh THYE a zide and loe SAR tan)

• What is hydrochlorothiazide and losartan (Hyzaar)?
• What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and losartan (Hyzaar)?
• What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and losartan (Hyzaar)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and losartan (Hyzaar)?
• How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and losartan (Hyzaar)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Hyzaar)?
• What happens if I overdose (Hyzaar)?
• What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and losartan (Hyzaar)?
• What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and losartan (Hyzaar)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is hydrochlorothiazide and losartan (Hyzaar)?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Losartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Losartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in certain people with heart disease.

Hydrochlorothiazide and losartan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Hyzaar 12.5 mg-50 mg

egg, yellow, imprinted with HYZAAR, MRK 717

Hyzaar 12.5-100 mg

oval, white, imprinted with 745

Hyzaar 25 mg-100 mg

egg, yellow, imprinted with HYZAAR, MRK 747

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and losartan (Hyzaar)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and losartan 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 muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• urinating less than usual, or not at all;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, increased urination, fast heart rate, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• stomach pain;
• back pain;
• dizziness, tired feeling;
• skin rash;
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat; or
• 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.

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and losartan (Hyzaar)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or losartan, or if you are unable to urinate.

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Losartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before using hydrochlorothiazide and losartan, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, kidney or liver disease, asthma, low or high blood levels of potassium, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.

Hydrochlorothiazide and losartan can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and losartan.

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 hydrochlorothiazide and losartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and losartan 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 muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.