Losartan-Hydrochlorothiazide
Hyzaar
Hyzaar is a prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure and helps lower the risk of strokes in people suffering from high BP and an enlarged heart. Formed by combining two ingredients, losartan, and hydrochlorothiazide, the medication provides relief to patients by relaxing their blood vessels. The usual starting dose of Hyzaar is 50/12.5 mg, but remember to follow your doctor’s advice to avoid any complications. If you are pregnant, it is advised to discontinue the medication or take medical assistance. Additionally, patients need to be aware of its side effects, which include eye pain, vision problems, joint pain, etc. For complete information, consult your doctor.
Product Overview
Hyzaar is a combination medication containing losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide. Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), helps relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure. On the other hand, hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, helps prevent fluid retention by making you urinate more. This process aids in reducing blood pressure.
Hyzaar is available in various strengths, including 50 mg/12.5 mg and 100 mg/25 mg of losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide, respectively. The medication is generally taken once a day, with or without food. It is suitable for adults who need treatment for high blood pressure and those at risk for stroke due to hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. By combining an ARB and a diuretic, Hyzaar effectively lowers blood pressure through dual mechanisms: relaxing blood vessels and reducing fluid retention.
Common side effects of this medication vary from dizziness and lightheadedness to dehydration due to increased urination. It’s essential to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather or during exercise. Inform your doctor of any allergies, medical history, or other medications you are taking to prevent serious drug interactions. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next dose. Moreover, if you have accidentally taken an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Proper storage of Hyzaar is essential, so keep your medication at room temperature and away from moisture and direct light. Keep it away from children and pets. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for best results and consult them for any concerns regarding the medication.
Uses of Hyzaar
It is used to treat:
- High blood pressure
- Lower the risk of strokes and an enlarged heart
How to Use Hyzaar?
Dosage
Strengths and Forms
Hyzaar is available in a tablet form with the following strengths:
- 50 mg losartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide
- 100 mg losartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide
- 100 mg losartan/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide
Recommended Dosage for Different Patients
Hypertension
- For Adults (18 to 64 Years): Patients are advised to take 50 mg losartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide or 100 mg losartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide, once a day. The dosage may depend on the BP medication you were taking before. The doctor may prescribe an increased dose of 100 mg losartan/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide if needed. Do not exceed the maximum dosage, which is limited to 100 mg losartan/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide one time a day.
- For Children: Not recommended.
- For Older Adults (65 & Above): There are no particular recommendations for seniors as these patients may process the drugs more slowly. Due to this, the usual adult dosage may accumulate the increased levels of drugs in their body. Therefore, doctors generally recommend lower doses to this age group.
Hypertension and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
- For Adults (18 to 64 Years): Take 50 mg losartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide once daily. If this dosing schedule does not work effectively, your doctor may prescribe a heavy dosage of 100 mg losartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide one time a day, followed by 100 mg losartan/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide once daily.
- For Children: Not recommended.
- For Older Adults (65 & Above): There are no particular recommendations for seniors as these patients may process the drugs more slowly. Due to this, the usual adult dosage may accumulate the increased levels of drugs in their body. Therefore, doctors generally recommend lower doses to this age group.
For Patients with Kidney Problems
- These patients are not advised to take Hyzaar if their creatinine clearance is below 30ml/min.
For Patients with Liver Problems
- Patients suffering from liver damage should avoid taking this medication as they require a lower initial dose of losartan, but it is not included in this combination drug.
[Note: These recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss them with your doctor; they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How to Take It?
- Follow the guidelines as instructed by your medical professional.
- Read the directions on the Patient’s Information Leaflet for your product.
- Take the medication with or without food as recommended by your healthcare provider. If you feel like urinating more often than usual, take it at least 4 hours before your bedtime to avoid this situation.
- If you are taking other medications for reduced cholesterol, like cholestyramine or colestipol, take Hyzaar 100mg/25mg at least 4 hours prior or 4 to 6 hours post your cholesterol medicines.
- Take these medicines at the same time daily to get the best results and avoid skipped doses.
- Do not crush or chew the tablet.
- Swallow the medication as a whole for effective results.
- Consult with your physician if you are having problems while swallowing the tablets.
- Do not alter or discontinue the medication immediately without expert assistance.
- Consult your doctor if you do not feel well or the condition worsens.
- Closely monitor your blood pressure readings.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Hyzaar Work?
Hyzaar is a combination of two drugs, namely losartan and hydrochlorothiazide, which belong to a different class of drugs. Recognized as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, the former is a type of drug that works by blocking the action of angiotensin II. This chemical makes the blood vessels tighten and contract, reducing blood pressure. At the same time, hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that helps remove the excess salt and water from the patient’s body. This process keeps the heart from working rigorously to pump blood, thus lowering blood pressure. When the working of these two drugs is combined, it results in the effective management of blood pressure and reduced risk of heart strokes.
Important Safety Information
Side Effects
Common side effects of Hyzaar may include:
- Upper respiratory infection
- Dizziness
- Cough
- Back pain
- Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
- Voice loss
- Chills
- Fever
- Lower back or side pain
Serious side effects of Hyzaar may include:
- Swelling on the face, lips, throat, feet, ankles or hands
- Difficulty in breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Weight loss & gain
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Vision problems
- Eye pain
- Irregular heartbeats
- Muscle weakness
- Blood in urine or stools
- Red spots on the skin
- Severe stomach pain
[Note: This list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.]
Warnings
- Hypotension: Using Hyzaar may result in low blood pressure in patients. The chances will increase if you also take diuretics, are on a low-salt diet, have heart problems, or get sick with vomiting or diarrhea. Doctors may monitor you closely for these patients from the beginning of treatment.
- Sensitive Reactions: If you have had allergies or asthma, you are prone to sensitivity reactions when starting treatment with Hyzaar. Its symptoms may range from skin rash, hives, and wheezing to itching and fever. Consult with a medical professional for expert guidance.
- Eye Problems: This medication may cause eye issues like myopias and glaucoma. Therefore, if you experience any trouble with your eye, call your doctor and stop taking the drug immediately.
- Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol while taking Hyzaar 100mg/25mg might increase the risk of dizziness in patients. If you consume such substances, talk to an expert about their usage.
- Sulfonamide Allergy: People allergic to sulfonamides are not advised to take Hyzaar. It is important to inform your doctor about all of your allergies.
- Kidney Problems: If you have kidney problems and no longer make urine, avoid taking this drug and make frequent doctor visits to check your kidney function. Your healthcare provider will adjust your medication accordingly.
- Liver Problems: Patients with liver problems should be cautious while taking this drug. Consult your doctor for complete information.
- Lupus: If you are taking Hyzaar, there is a high chance that you might develop lupus, or if you have one, the drug may make it worse. Call your doctor if this happens.
Boxed Warning
The FDA has issued a serious warning about Hyzaar. The authority alerts doctors and patients about potentially dangerous drug effects. It is advised not to take this medication while pregnant, as it can harm the fetus or end your pregnancy. Therefore, if you become pregnant while using this medication, consult with your healthcare provider and discontinue the use of this drug right away.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor/pharmacist about any allergies you have before taking Hyzaar. Even if you are allergic to any of the medication’s ingredients, tell your doctor immediately, as the product may contain certain inactive ingredients that can cause serious allergic reactions.
- Before using this medicine, consult with your medical professional about your medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver diseases, lupus, dehydration, gout, and skin cancer.
- The drug has side effects like dizziness and lightheadedness, so avoid consuming alcohol or marijuana. Communicate with your doctor, as these substances can make you dizzy or result in vision changes.
- Do not drive or operate any machinery that requires alertness.
- Excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may result in dehydration, making you feel lightheaded. Talk to your doctor about this situation to prevent further complications.
- For diabetic patients, it is advised to use this drug cautiously as it may affect your blood sugar.
- Check your blood sugar level frequently and share it with a professional.
- If you are having surgery or undergoing any medical procedure, tell your doctor once about all the products you use (prescription and nonprescription drugs or herbal products).
- Using this drug may make the skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, if you use Hyzaar for a long time, make yourself less exposed to the sun. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when going outdoors.
- It is still unsure whether the drug passes into the breastmilk or not. However, due to possible risks to the infant, avoid breastfeeding when taking Hyzaar 100 mg/25mg.
- This medication can also affect your potassium levels, so consult an expert before taking any potassium supplements.
Contraindications
Hyzaar is contraindicated in patients who have:
- Hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the product.
- Anuria
- For coadministration with aliskiren (Tekturna) in people suffering from diabetes.
Missed Dose
- Do not take another dose to make up for the missed one.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, take it at your scheduled time.
- Consider taking expert advice to avoid any complications.
[Note: If you have missed a medication dose and are unsure when to take the next one, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately.]
Overdose
When taking Hyzaar, it is important to stick to the dosage prescribed by your medical professional. Do not take an overdose of any medications. If you have mistakenly taken too much of your medication and are experiencing severe symptoms like fainting, dizziness, and difficulty in breathing, immediately contact your doctor.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help immediately or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
Storage
- Store the drug at room temperature of 77°F (25°C).
- It can be briefly stored at a temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
- Keep the medication in a closed container away from direct light, moisture, and heat.
- Avoid freezing the medication.
- Do not keep the tablets in moist or damp areas like bathrooms or near sinks.
- Store the medication out of children’s and pet’s reach.
- Do not keep an expired medication.
- Do not flush the medication down the toilet.
- Discard the medication when not in use. You can ask your pharmacist or a professional how to dispose of any medicine.
- Read the packaging of your product carefully for detailed storage instructions.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional the proper disposal of unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
Hyzaar Interactions
- Potassium Supplements: Coadministering Hyzaar with drugs containing potassium, potassium supplements, or any salt substitutes with potassium can increase the levels of substances known as potassium in the blood. This eventually elevates the risk of hyperkalemia in the patient’s body. So, avoid taking Hyzaar with drugs like potassium chloride, gluconate, and bicarbonate.
- Lithium: This drug is used to manage bipolar disorder. If a patient is taking lithium in combination with losartan/hydrochlorothiazide, there are high chances of increased lithium levels in the body. As a result, the patient will experience severe side effects.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Combining this drug with NSAIDs (ibuprofen and naproxen) may damage your kidney, and the risk is higher with people having poor kidney function, are seniors, take a water pill, or are dehydrated. Moreover, NSAIDs will also reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects of this drug, meaning the medication will not work as well.
- Diabetes Drugs: Hyzaar can cause high blood sugar levels, and if you are using any diabetes medications with this drug, consult an expert. They might adjust your dosage. Some of these drugs are insulin, glipizide, glyburide, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, acarbose and miglitol.
- Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: The concurrent use of this medication with drugs like cholestyramine and colestipol can reduce the amount of losartan/hydrochlorothiazide in your body, meaning the medication will not work properly.
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Hyzaar. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal products you’re taking.]
Hyzaar Alternatives
- Amlodipine
- Losartan
- Metoprolol
- Atenolol
- Norvasc
- Carvedilol
- Zestoretic
- Benicar Hct
- Accuretic
- Avalide
- Azor
- Diovan Hct
- Exforge
- Exforge Hct
- Lisinopril-Hydrochlorothiazide
- Lotrel
- Micardis Hct
- Tribenzor
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between losartan and Hyzaar?
Yes, there is a difference between losartan and Hyzaar. Losartan is an oral medication containing only losartan potassium, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. On the other hand, Hyzaar is a combination medication that includes losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. The addition of hydrochlorothiazide in Hyzaar helps reduce fluid retention and enhances blood pressure reduction through increased urine.
At which time does Hyzaar show the best result?
While there is no specific time for taking this medication, it is usually recommended that you take your dose at least 4 hours before bedtime to prevent increased urination, one of the common side effects of Hyzaar. This will prevent you from frequently getting up from your bed. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking this medication.
Which one is better, telmisartan or losartan?
Telmisartan and losartan are both ARBs used to treat high blood pressure and reduce stroke risk. Telmisartan may offer better 24-hour coverage due to its longer half-life and has shown additional cardiovascular benefits. At the same time, losartan effectively protects kidney function in diabetic patients and can be taken once or twice daily. Both have similar side effects, and their choice depends on individual patient needs and healthcare provider recommendations.
Can I eat a banana while taking losartan?
While bananas and losartan do not interact, you must be cautious when combining them. This drug may increase the potassium level in the patient’s blood; bananas are rich in potassium. Therefore, it is possible that eating this fruit while taking losartan may increase the risk of this side effect. You can ask your medical professional to be sure about this interaction.
Our Guarantee
At PolarBearMeds.com, we assure you the most affordable price to buy Hyzaar online from Canada. Rest easy knowing that your order will be dispatched from a reputable Licensed Canada Pharmacy Online, adhering to the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our discounted medications are shipped directly from Canada to your doorstep, ensuring a swift and secure delivery experience. To conveniently access this drug at a substantial cost, call us at 1-888-779-2193 toll-free.