Hyzaar is a prescription medication combining two active ingredients, losartan and hydrochlorothiazide, designed for the comprehensive management of hypertension. This fixed-dose combination therapy targets multiple pathways of blood pressure regulation, offering a synergistic approach when monotherapy proves insufficient. It is specifically formulated for patients whose hypertension is not adequately controlled with either component alone, providing a convenient and effective treatment option backed by clinical evidence. By addressing both angiotensin II receptor blockade and diuresis, Hyzaar supports sustained blood pressure reduction and long-term cardiovascular risk management.

Features

• Contains losartan potassium, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic
• Available in tablet form with standardized fixed-dose combinations (e.g., 50 mg/12.5 mg, 100 mg/12.5 mg, 100 mg/25 mg)
• Once-daily oral administration for improved adherence
• FDA-approved for the treatment of hypertension
• Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical quality control standards
• White, oval-shaped, film-coated tablets imprinted with the Hyzaar name and strength

Benefits

• Provides dual-mechanism blood pressure lowering through vasodilation and reduced fluid volume
• Lowers the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular events associated with uncontrolled hypertension
• Offers convenient once-daily dosing to support long-term treatment consistency
• May reduce the need for multiple antihypertensive medications
• Demonstrates a favorable side effect profile compared to some other combination therapies
• Helps protect kidney function in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes

Common use

Hyzaar is primarily prescribed for the treatment of hypertension in adult patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on losartan or hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy. It may also be used as initial therapy in patients who are likely to need multiple drugs to achieve their blood pressure goals. Healthcare providers may consider Hyzaar for patients with hypertension and additional risk factors where both components of the medication provide complementary benefits. The medication is not indicated for pediatric use and should be prescribed based on individual patient assessment and treatment goals.

Dosage and direction

The recommended starting dose of Hyzaar is one tablet (50 mg losartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide) taken orally once daily. The dosage may be increased after 2-3 weeks of therapy based on blood pressure response. The maximum recommended daily dose is 100 mg losartan/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels. Dose titration should be individualized based on blood pressure response and tolerability. For patients who experience excessive blood pressure reduction, dosage reduction may be necessary.

Precautions

Patients taking Hyzaar should have regular monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and serum electrolytes. Volume depletion should be corrected prior to administration or started at a lower dose. Caution is advised in patients with impaired renal function, hepatic impairment, or history of allergies to sulfonamide-derived drugs. Hyzaar may cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially during initial therapy or dose adjustments; patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them. Adequate hydration should be maintained unless contraindicated. Photosensitivity reactions may occur due to the hydrochlorothiazide component.

Contraindications

Hyzaar is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product or other sulfonamide-derived drugs. It should not be used in patients with anuria or severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min). Use is contraindicated in patients with refractory hypokalemia, hyponatremia, or hypercalcemia. Hyzaar is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, due to potential fetal harm. Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes is contraindicated.

Possible side effects

Common side effects may include dizziness (3.5%), upper respiratory infection (2.1%), cough (2.0%), fatigue (1.9%), and diarrhea (1.6%). Less frequently, patients may experience orthostatic hypotension, hyperkalemia or hypokalemia, hyponatremia, increased serum creatinine, headache, muscle cramps, or gastrointestinal disturbances. The hydrochlorothiazide component may cause photosensitivity reactions, gout, or glucose intolerance. Rare but serious side effects include angioedema, pancreatitis, hepatic impairment, and blood dyscrasias. Patients should report any persistent or severe symptoms to their healthcare provider.

Drug interaction

Hyzaar may interact with lithium (increased lithium toxicity risk), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including COX-2 inhibitors (reduced antihypertensive effect and possible renal impairment), other antihypertensive agents (additive blood pressure lowering), potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements (increased risk of hyperkalemia), and insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents (possible altered glucose control). Concomitant use with alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics may potentiate orthostatic hypotension. Cholestyramine and colestipol may reduce absorption of hydrochlorothiazide. Monitoring and dosage adjustments may be necessary when used with these medications.

Missed dose

If a dose of Hyzaar is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered on the same day. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Consistent daily administration is important for maintaining blood pressure control. If multiple doses are missed, patients should contact their healthcare provider for guidance, as blood pressure may increase and require monitoring.

Overdose

Symptoms of Hyzaar overdose may include severe hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia, dizziness, decreased urinary output, electrolyte imbalances, and renal impairment. Losartan overdose might manifest as hypotension and tachycardia, while hydrochlorothiazide overdose could cause excessive diuresis with electrolyte depletion. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, including gastric lavage if ingestion was recent, administration of activated charcoal, and correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Hemodialysis is not effective for removing losartan but may help correct fluid and electrolyte disturbances. Cardiovascular support may be necessary for severe hypotension.

Storage

Hyzaar tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) in their original container with the lid tightly closed. Protect from light, moisture, and excessive heat. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets that are discolored, damaged, or beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Proper disposal of unused medication should follow local regulations or medication take-back programs to prevent accidental ingestion or environmental contamination.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hyzaar is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Individual response to medication may vary, and treatment decisions should be based on a healthcare provider’s assessment of the patient’s specific medical condition, history, and needs. Patients should not alter their dosage or discontinue medication without consulting their healthcare provider. The complete prescribing information should be consulted before initiating therapy.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate that Hyzaar effectively reduces blood pressure in patients with hypertension. In controlled trials, the combination therapy produced greater blood pressure reduction than either component alone. Patients report improved blood pressure control and convenience of once-daily dosing. Some note the medication is generally well-tolerated, though individual experiences with side effects may vary. Healthcare providers appreciate the rational combination therapy that addresses multiple mechanisms of hypertension. Long-term follow-up studies support the cardiovascular protective benefits of this combination approach in appropriate patient populations.