Hyzaar

Hyzaar is a combination medication made up of two drugs: Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic (water pill), and Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Hydrochlorothiazide works to prevent fluid retention, and Losartan lowers blood pressure. The two drugs are prescribed together to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure. Hyzaar also reduces stroke risk. You may purchase generic Hyzaar at most pharmacies. Hyzaar is prescribed in two strengths: 50/12.5 or 100/25. These numbers refer to the amount, in milligrams, of each of the two component drugs, Losartan first. Hyzaar sales reach into the millions of dollars each year, as it is a very popular medication.

Hyzaar side effects may be minor, such as nasal congestion, decrease in libido (sexual desire), or stomach pain. These side effects should be mentioned to your doctor, but are generally no cause for great concern. Major side effects of Hyzaar, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin), rapid heartbeat, and fainting, or any allergic reaction to Hyzaar, should be treated right away. Hyzaar may also cause pancreatitis in some patients. Many patients also report salt cravings when taking Hyzaar. Hyzaar is a class "D" drug, and pregnant women, especially those in the second or third trimesters, should never take it. Hyzaar may cause birth defects or even death to the unborn baby. You must always use birth control while taking Hyzaar, but if it fails and you become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Women who are breastfeeding should also not use Hyzaar. If you have certain medical conditions like diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or are unable to urinate, you may not be able to take Hyzaar. Discuss all your medical conditions with your doctor before taking Hyzaar. Other medications may interact poorly with Hyzaar, such as other blood pressure medications, aspirin, or muscle relaxers. Let your doctor know about all the other medications you are taking, to avoid dangerous drug interactions.

Do not take Hyzaar without a prescription, or without being under a doctor's care. Your doctor will need to test your kidney function and blood sugar on a regular basis. Hyzaar may cause decreased kidney function, and may cause diabetes or make diabetes more pronounced in patients who may not have previously known they had diabetes.

You must take Hyzaar exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Blood pressure will not immediately go down when you begin taking Hyzaar or any other blood pressure medication. Therefore, it may take a few weeks for you to notice an improvement in your blood pressure. Since Hyzaar does not cure hypertension, but only controls blood pressure, you should not stop taking it unless your doctor advises you to.