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Hyzaar is a combined tablet pairing losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), with hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. The combination is prescribed in adults to lower raised blood pressure and to lower the risk of cardiovascular events and some hypertension-related kidney damage.

Common strength pairs are 50 mg losartan with dose: 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide, though preparations containing 25 mg/dose: 12.5 mg or 100 mg/25 mg are also used in some products. Look over the document pack if you need to confirm the exact strength.

  • Active substances: losartan and hydrochlorothiazide
  • Primary use: management of adult hypertension
  • Typical presentation: fixed-dose tablets in several strength combinations

For practical administration details see Administration route and dosing and for what to do if you forget a dose see Missed scheduled dose care plan.

Prior to the initiation of treatment

Before you dive in Hyzaar, tell your prescriber about your full medical history and any medicines, supplements or herbal remedies you take. The clinician needs to be aware of conditions that can affect safety or dosing.

  • Existing kidney problems, recent abnormal kidney tests or low urine output
  • Serious hepatic disease or a history of jaundice
  • Low-salt diets, dehydration, or prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus
  • A history of gout or elevated uric acid
  • Known allergy to ARBs, thiazide diuretics, sulfonamides or any tablet excipients
  • Concurrent use of potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes or potassium-sparing diuretics
  • Previous angioedema or pronounced adverse reactions to antihypertensive agents.
  • Pregnancy, planning to become pregnant or to breastfeed

Hyzaar is not routinely used in children; pediatric decisions should be made by specialist teams. If you want other treatment options see Different options and their prices.

Administration details and dosing

Follow the dose and schedule your prescriber gives you. Tablets should be swallowed with water and can be taken with or without food. Try to take the medicine at a similar time each day to maintain steady control of blood pressure.

Do not adjust your dose or take extra tablets unless specifically told to do so by your clinician. If your prescriber instructs you to stop Hyzaar, follow their guidance; sudden discontinuation may cause blood pressure to rise.

If you suspect an they overdosed or someone has taken too much, get urgent medical advice. In the UK contact NHS 111 for urgent medical help or go ahead to your nearest emergency department; call 999 for life-threatening emergencies.

Dose missed guidance

If you fail to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due in about four hours. If the next scheduled dose is near, skip the missed tablet and continue with your normal routine. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a dose was missed.

Following this reduces the risk of low blood pressure or sudden electrolyte disturbances that can happen if too much medication is taken at once.

Drug the act of interaction potential and substances to note

Many prescription and over-the-counter medicines, plus some supplements and herbal products, can alter the effect of Hyzaar or raise the chance of detrimental outcomes. Always provide a full list to your prescriber and pharmacist.

  • Other antihypertensive drugs, including additional vasodilators
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Potassium supplements, low-sodium potassium salts and potassium-sparing diuretics
  • Other diuretics and systemic corticosteroids
  • Antidiabetic medications, including insulin and some oral agents
  • Lithium and some antibiotics or antifungal medicines
  • Any drugs that influence kidney function or electrolyte balance

Also tell your clinician about tobacco, alcohol or recreational drug use because these can change blood pressure control. For ongoing safety checks see Surveillance and protective guidelines.

Vigilance and safeguards

  • Keep a regular home blood pressure record and share the readings with your responsible clinician.
  • Have blood tests as requested to check kidney function and electrolyte levels, particularly potassium.
  • Avoid marked dehydration; seek medical advice if you develop heavy sweating, prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea.
  • Do not take ARBs if you become pregnant; if pregnancy is possible or confirmed stop treatment and contact your prescriber immediately.
  • Expect possible dizziness, lightheadedness or blurred vision. Until you know how Hyzaar affects you, avoid driving or using machinery.
  • Limit alcohol intake because it can increase dizziness and reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure control.
  • If you have diabetes monitor blood glucose closely, as some antihypertensive regimens may alter glycaemic control.
  • Do not start potassium-containing salt substitutes without medical approval.
  • Check with a pharmacist before using over-the-counter cold, cough or pain remedies. See Interplay between individuals and substances to note for further details, consult the information below.

Potential effects during use plus the reporting system

Certain adverse reactions require immediate medical attention. Contact emergency services or seek urgent help if you experience any of the following:

  • Signs of a serious allergic reaction: widespread rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing
  • Severe fainting, pronounced dizziness, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
  • Severe skin reactions with blistering, mouth ulcers or large areas of peeling
  • Jaundice: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or severe abdominal discomfort
  • Marked muscle weakness, unexpected bleeding or bruising, or a sudden change in urine output

Milder effects that some people notice include ache in the head, mild dizziness and sometimes changes in sexual desire or performance. If lingering reactions persist or bother you, report them to your prescriber or pharmacist.

Reported suspected adverse reactions in the UK can be submitted through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. See UK prescribing and information on the legal code for how to report or ask a clinician to assist.

Safely storing and disposing of materials

  • Ensure medicines are placed where children cannot locate or reach them.
  • Store at typical indoor temperatures, for example 15 to 30 degrees C, away from strong light and moisture.
  • Keep the container closed and do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
  • Return unused or expired tablets to a pharmacy take-back point. Do not flush medicines down the toilet or throw them in household rubbish.

Double-check the tablet strength on the pack before disposing. See Big picture summary and makeup for strength facts.

Optional solutions and approximate Pricing framework for the UK (GBP)

There are a number of a contingency option strategies if Hyzaar is unsuitable. Options include other ARB plus thiazide combinations, ACE inhibitor combinations, calcium channel blockers, or thiazide-like diuretics taken alone or in combination. The most appropriate a contingency option depends on your medical profile and clinician judgment.

  • Other ARB/HCTZ fixed combinations: candesartan/HCTZ (Atacand Plus), irbesartan/HCTZ (CoAprovel), valsartan/HCTZ (Co-Diovan), telmisartan/HCTZ (Micardis Plus)
  • ACE inhibitor plus HCTZ combinations: e.g. lisinopril/HCTZ (Zestoretic) or enalapril/HCTZ
  • Single agent choices: losartan, candesartan, irbesartan, amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker), indapamide or chlorthalidone (thiazide-like diuretics)

Price guidance in the UK varies with brand, strength, pack size and whether supplied on the NHS or privately. Figures below are approximate and for a typical 28 to 30 tablet pack where relevant:

  • NHS: In Englin addition to the standard prescription charge is about 9.90 GBP per item; many patients in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland receive NHS prescriptions free if eligible.
  • Private retail estimates:
    • Generic losartan/HCTZ 50/12.5 milligrams: about 6 to 15 GBP per pack.
    • Brand Hyzaar: often 15 to 30 GBP per pack, depending on supplier.
    • Other ARB/HCTZ brands: typically in the 10 to 35 GBP range.
    • Single-agent generics such as losartan 50 mg: frequently 2 to 8 GBP per pack.

Short pros and cons:

  • Combination tablets like Hyzaar: one-pill convenience and established efficacy, but require periodic vigilant monitoring of kidney function and electrolytes.
  • ACE inhibitor combinations: effective and sometimes less expensive, but may cause cough and have angioedema risk for some people.
  • Separate single agents: allow dose flexibility but may increase pill burden and reduce convenience.

Discuss therapeutic choices and likely costs with a UK prescriber or pharmacist to identify the most suitable and cost-effective regimen. For safe online purchase rules see UK prescribing and information about regulatory statutes.

Additional aspects about Hyzaar