Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Hyzaar.
Allergic reaction: Some people who are allergic to sulfonamide medications also experience allergic reactions to hydrochlorothiazide. Before you take Hyzaar, inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially to sulfonamide antibiotics or diabetes medications. Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat.
Cholesterol: Cholesterol and triglyceride levels may increase when taking hydrochlorothiazide. Talk to your doctor about whether you will need to have your cholesterol levels tested while you are taking Hyzaar. If you have increased cholesterol or triglyceride levels, discuss with your doctor how Hyzaar may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hyzaar, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diabetes: Hydrochlorothiazide may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. High blood sugar may occur, glucose tolerance may change, and diabetes may worsen. A dose adjustment of diabetes medications, including insulin, may be required. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Hyzaar may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hyzaar, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Electrolytes: The use of hydrochlorothiazide can reduce the levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride, and increase the levels of calcium. Your doctor will periodically check to see if these levels are in balance and a potassium supplement may be recommended. Warning signs or symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance include:
- confusion
- drowsiness
- dryness of mouth
- lethargy
- low blood pressure
- muscle pains or cramps
- muscular fatigue
- nausea and vomiting
- racing heartbeat
- restlessness
- seizures
- thirst
- weakness
Gout: An acute gout attack may occur in some patients taking losartan - hydrochlorothiazide as a result of high levels of uric acid in the blood. Symptoms of an acute gout attack include sudden pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint, often the big toe. You may also experience a fever. If this is your first attack, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you have had gout attacks before, follow your doctor's instructions for dealing with the attack.
Heart Problems: Losartan – hydrochlorothiazide can cause fluid to build up in the body, increasing the work the heart must do to keep the blood circulating. If you have had a recent Heart Attack, or you have Congestive Heart Failure, taking losartan – hydrochlorothiazide can make symptoms of these heart conditions worse. If you have a history of heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Hyzaar may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hyzaar, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Losartan – hydrochlorothiazide can cause changes to kidney function that may result in decreased kidney function, kidney failure, or possibly death. This is particularly likely for those who already have kidney problems. Certain people have experienced changes in kidney function (e.g., people with narrowed blood vessels in their kidneys, or those with severe congestive heart failure). The use of diuretics (water pills), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or aliskiren may further increase risk of kidney problems for people already at risk for this problem. If you have reduced kidney function, renal artery stenosis (narrowing of blood vessels in the kidneys), or congestive heart failure, discuss with your doctor how Hyzaar may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hyzaar, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Hyzaar to build up in the body, causing side effects. People with reduced liver function may need a lower-than-normal dose of losartan; therefore, it may be necessary to use the components of the combination product separately. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Hyzaar may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hyzaar, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Hyzaar is not recommended for people with severe liver impairment.
Hyzaar may also cause a decrease in liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Low blood pressure: Occasionally, a greater-than-expected drop in blood pressure occurs after taking Hyzaar. It is more likely to occur if you are taking additional diuretics (water pills), have reduced salt intake, are on dialysis, or are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. Blood pressure should be monitored more often in these situations. To reduce the risk of dizziness, those with low blood pressure or those just starting to take Hyzaar should stand or sit up slowly when getting up from a lying down or sitting position.
If low blood pressure causes you to faint or feel lightheaded, contact your doctor.
Excessive sweating and lack of fluid intake may lead to an excessive fall in blood pressure because of reduced fluid in your blood vessels. Vomiting or diarrhea may also lead to a fall in blood pressure. Consult your doctor if you feel your blood pressure is too low.
Lupus: There have been reports of a worsening or activation of lupus in people taking hydrochlorothiazide. If you have lupus, discuss with your doctor how Hyzaar may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hyzaar, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Potassium levels: Increases in blood levels of potassium occur for approximately 2% of people who take Hyzaar. This rarely causes problems, but your doctor will likely want to monitor your potassium levels through blood tests. Avoid using salt substitutes that contain potassium while you are taking losartan - hydrochlorothiazide.
Sensitivity to sunlight: Hyzaar may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, increasing the risk of Sunburn. Avoid exposure to sunlight for long periods of time, particularly between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, while you are taking Hyzaar. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you notice any unusual skin rash or peeling, contact your doctor immediately.
Skin Cancer: Recent reviews of hydrochlorothiazide has connected long term use of the medication with an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer. This often appears as a lump or discoloured patch of skin that slowly changes appearance or size. Check your skin regularly for unusual growths or discolouration and report any changes to your doctor as soon as possible. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.
Vision changes: Hydrochlorothiazide occasionally causes vision changes including increased eye pressure (Glaucoma) and myopia (Nearsightedness). If you experience any eye symptoms, such as pain or change in vision, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Losartan may cause severe harm to an unborn fetus if it is taken by the mother during pregnancy. Pregnant women should not take Hyzaar. If you become pregnant while taking Hyzaar, stop taking it immediately and call your doctor.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if losartan passes into breast milk. Hydrochlorothiazide does pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Hyzaar, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Hyzaar have not been established for children. Hyzaar is not recommended for children.
Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the effects of Hyzaar and may experience more side effects.
