Drug Uses

Hyzaar is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist drug that is used to reduce water retention in the body and treat high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients suffering from hypertension.

How it is taken

Hyzaar can be taken by mouth with or without food. However, it may cause an increase in the frequency of urination. So ensure that you take your last dose before 6 pm to avoid your sleep being disturbed.

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor even if you feel better in a few days.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Hyzaar then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Confusion, fainting, extremely low blood pressure and abnormally rapid or slow heartbeat are some of the typical symptoms of a Hyzaar overdose. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have ever had a severe reaction (e.g., swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue, trouble swallowing or breathing, hoarseness) after taking any other angiotensin II receptor blocker or an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (e.g., captopril), if you are dehydrated, have low blood volume, have low blood sodium, chloride, potassium, or magnesium levels, or have high blood calcium levels, if you have asthma, diabetes, gout, heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), liver, gall bladder, or kidney problems, high blood cholesterol or lipid levels, or systemic lupus erythematosus, or have recently had nerve surgery

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you are taking dofetilide or ketanserin.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Hyzaar and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Hyzaar is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Hyzaar and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

If your doctor has prescribed a potassium supplement to you, then keep taking it according to the prescribed dosage.

Hyzaar should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Hyzaar may affect your blood sugar level and may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

Hyzaar may cause certain lab tests (including parathyroid function tests) to be incorrect. Ensure that your lab personnel know that you are taking the drug.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Hyzaar before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Hyzaar may make you more sensitive to the sun so please avoid the sun, sunlamps or a tanning booth until you know how your body reacts to the drug. If you cannot avoid going out in the sun for a long while, then wear protective clothing or use a proper sunscreen.

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
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Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are Back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, especially when sitting up or standing, nausea, numbness or tingling of the skin, tiredness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain, confusion, decrease in sexual ability, decreased urination, depression, drowsiness, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or persistent sore throat, hoarseness, muscle pain, tenderness, or cramps, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, restlessness, seizures, severe or persistent dry mouth, shortness of breath, swelling of the arms or legs, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual thirst, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.