Hyzaar (Hydrochlorothiazide/Losartan Potassium)

Hyzaar is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure and lower the risk of stroke if you have high blood pressure and a heart condition called left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the section of the heart that is responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body). Hyzaar contains two medicines: losartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker [ARB]) and hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic [water pill]).

When taken during pregnancy, ARBs such as Hyzaar can cause injury to the unborn baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, stop taking Hyzaar and contact your doctor right away. Hyzaar can cause low blood pressure, especially if you take diuretics. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down and call your doctor right away. Hyzaar can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction leading to extreme swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention. Hyzaar can activate lupus (disease that affects the immune system) or gout (severe and painful inflammation of the joints), and increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain patients. Hyzaar can worsen your kidney or liver function if you already have kidney or liver problems. Tell your doctor if your feet, ankles, or hands become swollen; unexplained weight gain; nausea; right upper abdominal pain; or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes. Hyzaar can cause problems seeing objects that are farther away, as well as acute angle-closure glaucoma (high pressure in the eye). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience abnormal visual changes or eye pain. Hyzaar can cause imbalances in fluids and electrolytes (chemicals that are important for the cells in your body to function, such as sodium and potassium). Signs and symptoms of this include dry mouth, thirst, weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, restlessness, confusion, seizures, muscle pain or cramps, low blood pressure, decreased urination, fast heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. Your doctor will monitor your blood electrolyte levels periodically during treatment with Hyzaar. If you have diabetes, Hyzaar can increase your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar frequently.