Hyzaar

Although Hyzaar is not a cure for high blood pressure, it has been shown to lower blood pressure in adults. Hyzaar 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. Hyzaar is available in several strengths and is generally taken once a day.

 

What Is Hyzaar?

Hyzaar® (
 losartan potassium-hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. However, Hyzaar is not a cure for high blood pressure. Hyzaar has not been approved for use in children.
 
Hyzaar 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.
 
(Hyzaar Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;