IMPORTANT HYZAAR WARNING:

Why is Hyzaar prescribed?

The combination of losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure. Hyzaar blocks the action of certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels so blood flows more smoothly. Hyzaar also causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.

Hyzaar is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Hyzaar information.

How should Hyzaar be used?

The combination of losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Hyzaar is usually taken once or twice a day. If you are to take Hyzaar once a day, take it in the morning; if you are to take Hyzaar twice a day, take it in the morning and in the late afternoon to avoid having to go to the bathroom during the night. Follow the Hyzaar directions on your Hyzaar prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less Hyzaar or take Hyzaar more often than prescribed by your doctor.

The combination of losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your doctor.

What special Hyzaar precautions should I follow?

Before taking losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to losartan (Hyzaar), hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin, or Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), barbiturates (phenobarbital), corticosteroids (prednisone), digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), diuretics (water pills), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for diabetes, other medications for high blood pressure, potassium supplements, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. If you are also taking cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 1 hour after losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had gout; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); asthma; thyroid, liver, heart, or kidney disease; or diabetes.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide.
• you should know that Hyzaar may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide will affect you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Hyzaar.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What special Hyzaar dietary instructions should I follow?

Take Hyzaar with meals or a snack. Follow your doctors Hyzaar directions. Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet or an exercise program, follow these Hyzaar directions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a Hyzaar dose?

Take the missed Hyzaar dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Hyzaar dose, skip the missed Hyzaar dose and continue your regular Hyzaar dosing schedule. Do not take a double Hyzaar dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Hyzaar cause?

Although side effects from losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Hyzaar symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• cough
• stomach pain
• muscle aches
• dizziness
• congestion
• thirst
• hair loss

If you experience any of the following Hyzaar symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fainting
• rash
• sore throat with fever
• unusual bleeding or bruising

What storage conditions are needed for Hyzaar?

Keep Hyzaar in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Hyzaar at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Hyzaar that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Hyzaar.

In case of Hyzaar emergency/overdose

In case of Hyzaar overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other Hyzaar information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide. Your doctor will order certain blood tests to monitor you response to losartan (Hyzaar) and hydrochlorothiazide.

Do not let anyone else take your Hyzaar. Ask your pharmacist any Hyzaar questions you have about refilling your Hyzaar prescription.