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Hyzaar |
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What is Hyzaar and why is it prescribed? Hyzaar is a combination medication used in the treatment of high blood pressure. One component, losartan, belongs to a new class of blood pressure medications that work by preventing the hormone angiotensin II from constricting the blood vessels, thus allowing blood to flow more freely and keeping the blood pressure down. The other component, hydrochlorothiazide, is a diuretic that increases the output of urine, removing excess fluid from the body and thus lowering blood pressure. You must take Hyzaar regularly for it to be effective. Hyzaar does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Hyzaar? Follow your doctors directions for taking Hyzaar. Hyzaar may be taken with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day so that it is easier to remember. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Keep Hyzaar in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect from light. Are there any Hyzaar side effects? Hyzaar side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Hyzaar side effects include dizziness and upper respiratory infection. Less common Hyzaar side effects include abdominal pain, back pain, cough, fluid retention and swelling, heart palpitations, sinus inflammation, and skin rash. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Hyzaar? If Hyzaar is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Hyzaar may increase the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking Hyzaar with Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital and Seconal), Cholestyramine (Questran), Colestipol (Colestid), Corticosteroids (Prednisone), Diuretics that leave potassium in the body (such as Aldactone, triamterene, and amiloride), Indomethacin (Indocin), Insulin, Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Narcotic painkillers (such as Demerol, Tylenol with Codeine, and Percocet), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Aleve, Anaprox, and Motrin), Other blood pressure-lowering drugs (such as Procardia XL and Tenormin), Oral diabetes drugs (such as Diabinese, DiaBeta, and Glucotrol), Potassium supplements (such as Slow-K), Salt substitutes containing potassium, Sulfaphenazole, or Troleandomycin (Tao). Are there any special warnings about Hyzaar? If you are taking Hyzaar and have kidney disease, your doctor will watch your kidney function carefully. Hyzaar can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are also taking another diuretic. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued. If you actually faint, stop taking the medication until you have talked to your doctor. If you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, gout, or lupus erythematosus, Hyzaar should be used with caution. This drug may bring out hidden diabetes. If you are already taking insulin or oral diabetes drugs, your medication may have to be adjusted. If you have bronchial asthma or a history of allergies, you may be at greater risk for an allergic reaction to this medication. Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea or vomiting could deplete your body fluids and cause your blood pressure to drop too low. Be careful when exercising and in hot weather. Call your doctor if your mouth becomes dry, you feel weak or tired or sluggish, you are unusually thirsty, you feel restless or confused, you ache all over, your heart starts beating faster, or you are nauseated. Rare but serious allergic reactions to Hyzaar have been reported. If you develop swelling of the face, lips, or throat, call your doctor immediately. Serious swelling could obstruct your breathing. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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