Hyzaar is a prescription medication combining two active ingredients, losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide, designed for the management of hypertension. This fixed-dose combination therapy works through a dual mechanism of action, targeting key pathways involved in blood pressure regulation. It is indicated for patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on monotherapy, offering a convenient and potent treatment option. By addressing multiple physiological factors, Hyzaar provides a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular risk management under physician supervision.

Features

• Contains two active pharmaceutical ingredients: losartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker, ARB) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic).
• Available in standardized tablet strengths: 50 mg/12.5 mg, 100 mg/12.5 mg, and 100 mg/25 mg (losartan/hydrochlorothiazide).
• Formulated for once-daily oral administration, promoting adherence.
• Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical quality control standards.
• White, oval-shaped, film-coated tablets imprinted with the HYZAAR name and strength code.

Benefits

• Provides superior blood pressure reduction compared to either component alone, facilitating goal attainment.
• Reduces the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.
• Offers a simplified regimen, decreasing pill burden and potentially improving long-term compliance.
• Combines complementary mechanisms: vasodilation (losartan) and volume reduction (hydrochlorothiazide) for synergistic effect.
• May offer renal protective benefits in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes and proteinuria, attributable to the losartan component.

Common use

Hyzaar is primarily prescribed for the treatment of hypertension. It is not indicated for initial therapy but is reserved for use in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on losartan or hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy. It may also be used as a substitute therapy in patients already stabilized on the individual components taken separately. Its use is determined by a healthcare provider based on individual patient profile, treatment response, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Dosage and direction

The dosage of Hyzaar must be individualized based on patient response. The usual starting dose is one Hyzaar 50/12.5 mg (losartan 50 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg) tablet once daily. For patients who do not achieve adequate blood pressure control, the dose may be increased to two tablets of Hyzaar 50/12.5 mg once daily or one tablet of Hyzaar 100/12.5 mg once daily. The maximum recommended daily dose is one tablet of Hyzaar 100/25 mg. This medication can be taken with or without food and should be taken at approximately the same time each day. Dose titration should not occur at intervals of less than 3 weeks.

Precautions

Patients should be closely monitored for electrolyte imbalances (particularly hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and hypomagnesemia), especially in those vomiting excessively, receiving parenteral fluids, or using other medications affecting electrolytes. Impaired renal function may occur; assess renal function before and during therapy. Monitor for signs of worsening hepatic function. Hydrochlorothiazide may cause photosensitivity reactions; advise appropriate sun protection. Use with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function or history of hepatic disease, as minor alterations in fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma. Observe for clinical signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance. This product contains losartan, which can cause injury and death to the developing fetus when used in the second and third trimesters; discontinue therapy if pregnancy is detected.

Contraindications

Hyzaar is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product or other sulfonamide-derived drugs (due to the hydrochlorothiazide component). It is contraindicated in patients with anuria. Do not co-administer with aliskiren in patients with diabetes. Concomitant use is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²). Use is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Possible side effect

Common adverse reactions (incidence ≥1% and greater than placebo) include dizziness, upper respiratory infection, cough, hyperkalemia, back pain, nasal congestion, sinusitis, diarrhea, nausea, pharyngitis, rash, asthenia/fatigue, muscle cramp, and hypotension. Serious but less common side effects can include: renal impairment and failure, electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, hypercalcemia), hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis and angioedema), hepatic enzyme elevations, hepatitis, syncope, orthostatic hypotension, increased BUN and creatinine, hyperglycemia, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus exacerbation, and visual disturbances.

Drug interaction

Concomitant use with other drugs that affect the RAS, such as ACE inhibitors, increases the risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment. NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors, may reduce the antihypertensive effect and increase the risk of renal impairment. Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium may lead to significant increases in serum potassium. Lithium levels may increase due to reduced renal clearance. Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics may potentiate orthostatic hypotension. Corticosteroids and ACTH may intensify electrolyte depletion. Cholestyramine and colestipol may reduce absorption of hydrochlorothiazide. The antihypertensive effect may be diminished by sympathomimetics.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered on the same day. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Maintaining a consistent daily routine is important for optimal blood pressure control.

Overdose

The most likely manifestations of overdose are hypotension and tachycardia due to the losartan component, and electrolyte depletion (hypokalemia, hypochloremia, hyponatremia) and dehydration due to the hydrochlorothiazide component. Bradycardia could occur from parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation. If ingestion is recent, employ supportive measures including gastric lavage or activated charcoal. Treatment should be supportive and directed at correcting the symptoms. The patient’s electrolyte status and renal function should be monitored. Losartan and its active metabolite are not removed by hemodialysis.

Storage

Store Hyzaar tablets at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The information provided is not exhaustive and may not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects.

Reviews

“After struggling to control my hypertension with a single medication, my cardiologist switched me to Hyzaar. The convenience of a single pill has greatly improved my adherence. My blood pressure readings have been consistently within target range for the past eight months, and I have experienced no significant side effects. This combination has been a game-changer for my daily management.” - Jonathan R., 68

“Initially, I experienced some lightheadedness during the first week of taking Hyzaar, but it subsided. My doctor monitored my potassium levels, which remained stable. My blood pressure, which was previously resistant to other therapies, is now well-controlled. The once-daily dosing fits easily into my routine.” - Maria L., 54

“While the medication is effective for my high blood pressure, I did develop a persistent dry cough after several months of use. My physician and I are discussing alternative options within the same class, as the cough has become bothersome. It’s effective, but the side effect profile may not be suitable for everyone.” - David K., 61