Hyzaar

Although Hyzaar is not a cure for high blood pressure, it has been shown to lower blood pressure in adults. It is a combination of two medications -- Cozaar and hydrochlorothiazide -- which work to relax the blood vessels and remove more salt and water from the blood. Hyzaar can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as a heart attack or stroke, that are caused by long-term high blood pressure. Common side effects of this drug include dizziness, cough, and back pain.

 

What Is Hyzaar?

Hyzaar® (
 losartan potassium-hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. However, it is not a cure for high blood pressure. Hyzaar has not been approved for use in children.
 
The drug is manufactured by Merck & Co.
 
(Click Hyzaar Uses for more information on what Hyzaar is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 
Hyzaar is a combination of two medicines -- Cozaar® and hydrochlorothiazide. Cozaar is a newer type of blood pressure medicine known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB for short. Cozaar blocks angiotensin II receptors, thus decreasing the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Cozaar causes blood vessels to relax.
 
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.
 
Because of the effect of both Cozaar and hydrochlorothiazide, Hyzaar can lower blood pressure. Because of its combined effects, Hyzaar causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.
 

Effects

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Hyzaar, systolic blood pressure (the top number) decreased by up to 16 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) decreased by up to 9 mmHg. The higher the dose of Hyzaar, the greater the drop in blood pressure.
 
By lowering blood pressure, Hyzaar can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as a heart attack or stroke, that are caused by long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).
 

When and How Do I Take Hyzaar?

Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
 
  • Hyzaar comes in tablet form. It is taken once a day.
     
  • It may be taken with or without food.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
     
  • It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medicine in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing

The dose of Hyzaar your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking
  • How you respond to Hyzaar.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Hyzaar Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Hyzaar

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. However, not everyone who takes Hyzaar will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects of Hyzaar in people with high blood pressure include:
 
  • Low potassium in the blood
  • Infection, such as the common cold or flu
  • Dizziness
  • Cough
  • Back pain.
     
(Click Hyzaar Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Hyzaar, including serious side effects to look out for. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:
 

Drug Interactions

Hyzaar can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
 
(Click Hyzaar Drug Interactions for more information.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking Hyzaar, you should talk with your healthcare provider if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Hyzaar and Pregnancy)
  • Are on dialysis
  • Drink alcohol regularly
  • Are breastfeeding.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
Do not take any potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Hyzaar Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Hyzaar.)
 

Overdose

People who take too much Hyzaar may have overdose symptoms that can include extremely low blood pressure or an increased heart rate.
 
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Hyzaar Overdose for more information.)
 

Storing Hyzaar

It should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Hyzaar tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep Hyzaar and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Hyzaar as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
 

Strengths

Hyzaar tablets are available in several strengths, each with different amounts of either losartan potassium or hydrochlorothiazide. These strengths include:
 
  • Hyzaar 50 mg/12.5 mg -- which has 50 mg of losartan potassium and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide
     
  • Hyzaar 100 mg/12.5 mg -- which has 100 mg of losartan potassium and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide
     
  • Hyzaar 100 mg/25 mg -- which has 100 mg of losartan potassium and 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide.
     

Generic Hyzaar

Hyzaar is not currently available as a generic medicine.
 
(Click Generic Hyzaar for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;