Product Details: Hyzaar (Losartan / HCTZ)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Merck

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

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.

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.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness or lightheadedness especially when sitting up or standing. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience fever, headache, sore throat, back pain, muscle pain or cramps, muscle weakness, severe or persistent nausea or vomiting, mood or mental changes (such as restlessness or confusion), dry mouth, unusual thirst, unusual tiredness or weakness, or drowsiness. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; rapid or irregular heartbeat; fainting; seizures; swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; or difficulty swallowing. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Losartan / HCTZ