Losartan-Hydrochlorothiazide Generic (Hyzaar) US$ 0.35 ea

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

Hydrochlorothiazide and losartan is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure, or to lower the risk of stroke in certain people with heart disease.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

You should not use this medication if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to penicillin or sulfa drugs.

If you have diabetes or kidney disease, you may not be able to take hydrochlorothiazide and losartan if you are taking medication that contains aliskiren. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and losartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Losartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Hydrochlorothiazide and losartan is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in certain people with heart disease.

Hydrochlorothiazide and losartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or losartan, if you are unable to urinate.

If you have diabetes or kidney disease, you may not be able to take this medicine if you are also taking a blood pressure medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, or Valturna).

To make sure hydrochlorothiazide and losartan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• congestive heart failure;
• glaucoma;
• asthma;
• low or high levels of potassium in your blood;
• gout;
• lupus;
• diabetes; or
• an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Hydrochlorothiazide and losartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control.

It is not known whether hydrochlorothiazide and losartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.

You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medication. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydrochlorothiazide and losartan. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and losartan.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and losartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

Get 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.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and losartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye pain, vision problems;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;
• drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling).

Common side effects may include:

• stomach pain;
• back pain;
• dizziness, tired feeling;
• skin rash;
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat; or
• dry cough.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and losartan?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with hydrochlorothiazide and losartan, especially:

• any other blood pressure medications;
• steroids (prednisone and others);
• lithium;
• cholestyramine or colestipol;
• insulin or oral diabetes medication;
• rifampin;
• a barbiturate--phenobarbital and others;
• any other diuretic or "water pill";
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others;
• a muscle relaxer--baclofen, carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, tizanidine, and others; or
• narcotic medication--codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with hydrochlorothiazide and losartan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydrochlorothiazide and losartan.