General Info: Uses and Effects

Hyzaar Generic is made up of Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide. Losartan is in a class of drugs, known as ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers). It helps in reducing blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels so that there won't be any blockage of the blood flow. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of drug, known as a diuretic (water pill); it prevents the body from absorbing too much salt which causes fluid retention in the body. Hyzaar is used for the treatment of high blood pressure (also known as hypertension). It can also be used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and a case of an enlarged heart. Reducing high blood pressure stems from the incidence of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

How Does it Work

Losartan, the component of Hyzaar Generic, blocks the activities of angiotensin that is formed in the blood by the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). It blocks the activities of ACE that causes the blood vessels to narrow and the muscles to contract that can result in high blood pressure, Losartan relaxes the muscles. Also, it dilates blood vessels with the resultant effect of reduction of blood pressure

Hydrochlorothiazide blocks salt and fluid reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby causing an increased amount of urine containing salt, and this helps the body get rid of excess salt and water that can lead to high blood pressure. Although Hyzaar Generic is used for treating high blood pressure and other related diseases.

Contraindication: Important to Know

The Hyzaar oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs that one may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. That can be deleterious or prevent the drug from working well. To prevent interactions of drugs, it is advisable that your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Ensure to consult your physician on all medicines, vitamins, or herbs you're taking. To find out how Hyzaar Generic might interact with other medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Hyzaar Losartan/ Hydrochlorothiazide has been known to induce dizziness and as such should not be taken during a task that requires alertness like driving, use of machinery and more. Since alcohol engenders dizziness, patients should desist from taking alcohol during the treatment.The drug should not be used by pregnant women because of the deleterious effect it could have on the fetus. The doctor should be consulted before breastfeeding as one of the components of the drug (Hydrochlorothiazide) is known to pass into breast milk with attendant health risk to the infant.

Hyzaar could make someone more sensitive to the sun and as such prolonged exposure to sunlight should be avoided. The patient could wear protective clothing when outdoors to mitigate the impact of the sun. Cases of sunburn or skin blisters or redness should be reported to the medical practitioner for immediate attention.

Since Hyzaar may affect patient's potassium levels, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium, the drug should not be used without a doctor's prescription.

Instructions on Taking

Hyzaar Losartan/Hydrochlorothiazide should be taken as instructed by the doctor as non-adherence to directions may result in the following:

• Do not stop using the drug if you feel okay without the input of the doctor; there may be a reoccurrence of the high blood pressure with its attendant consequences, such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, and visual problems. It can even lead to death.
• Take the drug as scheduled, the blood pressure may not improve, or it may deteriorate further if a prescription is not followed and this may lead to stroke or heart attack.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is just a few hours to your next one, do not take two doses to catch up with the one missed. Overdosing could cause an unwanted side effect. If overdose is mistakenly taken, you may experience intense side effects, such as dizziness and changes in the amount of electrolyte in your blood. Please consult your doctor immediately.
• You may know if the drug is working if your blood pressure reduces with usage. You can keep a diary of your blood pressure and bring it to your doctor on the day of appointments.

Dosage

All possible dosages and forms may not be included here, as your dose, and how often you take it will depend on:

• Your age;
• The condition being treated;
• The severity of your condition;
• Other medical conditions you have;
• How you react to the first dose.

Dosage for high blood pressure (hypertension)

Child dosage (ages 0 to 17 years): This drug should not be used by children under the age of 18 since the drug has not experimented with children of age bracket 0 - 17.

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years): The recommended dose is 50mg Losartan/12.5mg Hydrochlorothiazide or 100mg Losartan/12.5mg Hydrochlorothiazide, taken once daily. Your dose depends on the quantity of the blood pressure drug that you are currently using. Your physician may increase your dose up to 100mg Losartan/25 mg Hydrochlorothiazide taken once per day if necessary.

The maximum dosage is 25mg Hydrochlorothiazide/100mg Losartan taken once per day.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older): Older adults may process medicines more slowly as there are no specific recommendations for senior dosing. A typical adult dose may cause levels of this drug to be higher than average. If you're a senior, you may need a lower dosage or a different schedule.

Note: Since drugs affect each person differently, the above list may not include all possible dosages. This information should not be substituted for medical advice. Always speak with your physician or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Side Effects

The under-listed side effects can be noticed when Hyzaar Generic is taken:

• Dizziness;
• Constipation;
• Fatigue;
• Blurred vision;
• Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sun);
• Blood in the urine or stools;
• Cough accompanied by fever;
• Lower back or side pain;
• Painful or difficult urination;
• Fainting;
• Red spots on the skin;
• Pounding heartbeat;
• Severe stomach pain;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Skin rash;
• Muscle cramps or pain;
• Muscle spasms.

It is possible to have other adverse effects as the above list is by no means exhaustive.

Interaction with Other Drugs

There are lots of medications that can interact with Hyzaar Losartan/Hydrochlorothiazide that could hamper its effectiveness and also cause harm to the body. Be sure you inform your doctor of other drugs you are using. The following medicines can interact with Hyzaar Generic: potassium-sparing diuretics, salt substitutes, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, i.e., Ibuprofen and Naproxen), blood pressure drugs, diabetic drug, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.