Hyzaar is used to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This product contains two medications: losartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is a "water pill" (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine, which helps your body get rid of extra salt and water.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without food. If this medication causes you to urinate more frequently, it is best to take it at least 4 hours before your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate.

If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take losartan/hydrochlorothiazide at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings increase).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to losartan or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: gout, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, severe loss of body water and minerals (dehydration), skin cancer.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This product may cause a loss of too much body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss, including:

-Extreme thirst

-Very dry mouth

-Muscle cramps/weakness

-Fast/slow/irregular heartbeat

-Confusion.

What Conditions does Hyzaar Treat?

• high blood pressure

• hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy

• How long does Hyzaar take to work?

• 3 to 6 weeks • Losartan starts to reduce high blood pressure after about 6 hours but it may take 3 to 6 weeks to fully take effect.

Where to Store this medication?

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at a regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. Check your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure, and share the results with your doctor.

Interactions Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).