Hyzaar

Chemical Name: LOSARTAN (loe-SAR-tan) and HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide)

Common uses
This medicine is an angiotensin II receptor blocker and thiazide diuretic combination used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

 Before using
THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS FETAL HARM IF USED DURING THE LAST SIX MONTHS OF PREGNANCY. IF PREGNANCY OCCURS, STOP USING THIS MEDICINE AND CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking dofetilide or ketanserin. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking lithium, diazoxide, digoxin, potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone, amiloride, or triamterene), medicines for diabetes, insulin, other medicines for high blood pressure, cholestyramine, colestipol, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (such as indomethacin, ibuprofen, or naproxen), or rifampin. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including diabetes, kidney problems, liver problems, lupus, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have severe kidney problems, or if you produce no urine at all (anuria). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

 Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN on an empty stomach or with food. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE an increase in urine or in frequency of urination. To prevent this medicine from affecting your sleep, take your dose in the morning. If you are taking more than 1 dose daily, take the last dose no later than 6 pm. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

 Cautions
IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as sulfamethoxazole, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or severe dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests including blood pressure checks and blood electrolyte levels may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants (such as barbiturates or narcotics). Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, excessive sweating, not drinking enough fluids, or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting can increase these effects. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone or with certain other medicines may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. DO NOT USE A SALT SUBSTITUTE or potassium supplements without checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: USE OF THIS MEDICINE DURING PREGNANCY has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.