Hyzaar (Losartan/HCTZ)

Do's

• Take Hyzaar exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, including dosage and frequency (usually once daily). 
• Take the medication by mouth, with or without food. 
• Take the medication at least 4 hours before bedtime to avoid nighttime disruption if frequent urination occurs. 
• Inform your healthcare provider if you take any cholesterol-lowering medications called bile acid-binding resins (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol) as these require separate administration from Hyzaar. 
• Take Hyzaar at least 4 hours before or 4-6 hours after cholesterol medications. 
• Take the medication regularly, ideally at the same time each day for optimal effectiveness. 
• Continue taking Hyzaar even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms. 
• Consult your healthcare provider immediately if your condition doesn't improve or worsens (e.g., high blood pressure persists). 

Don'ts

• Don't skip doses of Hyzaar unless instructed by your healthcare provider. 

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Back pain
• Stomach upset
• Dizziness
• Upper respiratory infection
• Cold symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat
• Decreased sexual interest or ability
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Increased frequency of sinus infections or nasal congestion
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Trouble sleeping
• Taste alterations
• Sensitivity to the sun
• Pins and needles sensation

Serious side effects that may occur include:

• Allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue. Seek emergency medical help right away and stop taking Hyzaar if you experience these symptoms.
• Injury or death of unborn babies. Hyzaar should not be used during pregnancy, especially during the second or third trimester.
• Eye problems, which can happen within hours to weeks of starting Hyzaar. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any eye-related symptoms.

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking  Hyzaar,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider of any allergies to Hyzaar components or other medications.

Disclose your medical history, especially conditions like gout, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, dehydration, high potassium, and skin cancer.

Avoid operating machinery or driving until you feel stable. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen dizziness.

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid feeling lightheaded, especially if experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.

Monitor your blood sugar regularly if diabetic and inform your healthcare provider of any adjustments needed in medication, exercise, or diet.

Use sun protection (sunscreen, protective clothing) to avoid sunburn, skin lesions, and potential skin cancer risk. Consult your healthcare provider before taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes.

Inform your healthcare provider or dentist about all medications (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal) before surgery. It may be more susceptible to side effects like dizziness and kidney problems.

Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should not take Hyzaar due to potential harm to the unborn baby.

Consult your healthcare provider, as while losartan is unknown to pass into breast milk, hydrochlorothiazide does but is unlikely to harm the infant.