Hyzaar
When the body absorbs too much salt through excessive intake, this can cause a deterioration in health through a variety of conditions, principally through raised blood pressure (hypertension), but also for example through kidney problems. Hyzaar is a drug that prevents fluid retention in the body’s tissues, which explain its colloquial designation as a “water pill”. Hyzaar medication is a combination medication used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It consists of two parts which are blended together. These are :-
- Losartan
- Hydrochlorothiazide
Losartan, belongs to a contemporary class of blood pressure medications that prevents the hormone angiotensin II from contracting the blood vessels. This in turn allows blood to flow more efficiently, which can assist with maintaining control over the patient’s blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide, is a diuretic that increases the elimination of urine, which has the overall effect of removing fluid from the body and as a result, the patient’s blood pressure is lowered.
What is the most important fact about Hyzaar?
It is important that you take Hyzaar medication regularly, in order to maximize it’s effectiveness. Many people may be unaware that blood pressure drops gradually - it is not an overnight occurrence - and there may be an initial period of waiting, which may be up to a few weeks, before you realise the full benefits of Hyzaar. During this time it is important that you maintain your prescribed dose of the medication, regardless of your perception of your general level of health. The salient point is that Hyzaar does not cure high blood pressure; it helps to keep it under control.
What factors should I discuss with my Health Care Provider?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide (Carozide, Diaqua, Ezide HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide) or losartan (Cozaar), or if you:
- are unable to urinate
- are allergic to sulfa drugs.
Before using hydrochlorothiazide and losartan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have :-
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- congestive heart failure
- asthma or allergies
- low or high levels of potassium in your blood
- gout
- lupus
- diabetes.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use hydrochlorothiazide and losartan, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Hydrochlorothiazide and losartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not use hydrochlorothiazide and losartan without your doctor’s consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether hydrochlorothiazide and losartan passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Hyzaar?
Hyzaar medication can be taken at meal times or any other time of day to suit the individual, but your Doctor’s instructions should be followed as directed. It would be prudent to establish a routine such that you make an effort to take your Hyzaar medication as part of a structured routine, and attempt to take it at the same time every day. This will assist you in as much as that it will make it easier to remember. If you are unfortunate enough to miss your expected dose, you should take the missed dose right away. If it is approaching the time for your next scheduled dose, you should skip the one dose that you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
What side effects may occur?
Although as with any drug side effects, are possible, these should not necessarily be expected to be inevitable. However if any of the following symptoms develop or change in intensity, you must inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor is able to determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Hyzaar :-
- Dizziness
- Upper respiratory infection
- Reaction to losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfa drugs
- Kidney dysfunction
- Low Blood Pressure
- Feeling of light-headedness or faintnes
It is important that you seek emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:-
- hives
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:-
- feeling light-headed, fainting
- fast or pounding heartbeats
- urinating more or less than usual, or not at all
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).
