Brief summary: Hyzaar combines losartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker) with hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic) to help lower high blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk. This page explains safe use, risks, alternatives, U.S. pricing, and legal points for American patients.

What it is and who uses it

Active ingredients: losartan + hydrochlorothiazide.

Main use: treatment of high blood pressure in adults; may be chosen when a single medicine is not enough or when a combination is preferred.

For a quick jump to interactions, see this section. For legal details in the U.S., go to U.S. legal and prescription rules.

Available strengths

Common U.S. tablet strengths include:

  • 100 mg losartan + 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide
  • 50 mg losartan + 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide
  • 100 mg losartan + 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide

Your prescriber will select a dose based on your blood pressure readings, kidney function, and other medicines you take.

What should I tell my health care provider before taking Hyzaar?

Share your full medical history and current medicines. Tell your clinician if any of the following apply:

  • you are pregnant, might become pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy
  • decreased urine output
  • immune system problems, such as lupus
  • liver disease
  • you follow a special diet (for example, low-salt or using salt substitutes)
  • kidney disease
  • breast-feeding
  • any allergy to losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa medicines, dyes, preservatives, or foods

How should I use this medicine?

Swallow the tablet with water. You may take it with or without food, but try to be consistent about timing each day. Take only as directed on your prescription label and do not take extra doses.

If your child has been prescribed a blood pressure medicine, discuss details with a pediatric specialist; combination products like Hyzaar are generally for adults and require special care in pediatric use.

Overdose: If you suspect an overdose, call a poison control center or go to an emergency department immediately.

What if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is less than 4 hours before your next scheduled dose. If so, skip the missed dose and take only the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up.

What may interact with this medicine?

Some medicines raise the risk of side effects or change how Hyzaar works. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins, and herbs you use. Notable examples include:

  • potassium salts or potassium supplements
  • NSAIDs for pain and inflammation (for example, ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • rifampin
  • barbiturates such as phenobarbital
  • corticosteroids
  • diabetic medicines
  • other blood pressure medicines
  • fluconazole
  • celecoxib
  • prescription pain medicines
  • lithium
  • cimetidine
  • skeletal muscle relaxants such as tubocurarine
  • diuretics, particularly potassium-sparing types like spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride
  • cholesterol-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol

This is not a complete list. Also mention alcohol, nicotine, or recreational drug use, as these can affect blood pressure control or safety.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Keep a log of your blood pressure and bring it to follow-up visits. Your care team may check kidney function, electrolytes, and uric acid while you use this medicine.

Prevent dehydration. Ask about your ideal daily fluid intake. Seek advice if you develop heavy vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating; losing too much body fluid can be dangerous while on Hyzaar.

Pregnancy warning: drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system can harm or even be fatal to a fetus, especially in the second and third trimesters. If you become pregnant, stop the medicine and contact your prescriber right away.

You may feel dizzy or drowsy, especially at the start or when the dose increases. Avoid driving or using machines until you know how you respond. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions. Alcohol can worsen dizziness; limit or avoid it.

If you have diabetes, this medicine can influence blood sugar. Discuss any adjustments to diabetes therapy with your clinician before making changes.

Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium unless your prescriber approves them.

Check with your clinician before self-treating coughs, colds, or pain; some over-the-counter products can raise blood pressure or interact with your therapy.

What side effects may occur?

Call your prescriber promptly if you notice:

  • worsening gout pain
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • trouble passing urine or a change in the amount of urine
  • fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain
  • allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • muscle cramps
  • severe skin reactions, including redness, blistering, or peeling, even inside the mouth
  • dark urine
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • feeling faint or very lightheaded
  • breathing problems
  • persistent dry cough
  • stomach or abdominal pain

Often mild and may go away as your body adjusts (tell your clinician if persistent or bothersome):

  • headache
  • change in sexual desire or performance

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature, 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Protect from light and keep the bottle tightly closed. Discard any unused tablets after the expiration date.

Alternatives and similar medications

If Hyzaar is not suitable, your clinician may consider one of the following, depending on your medical history and goals:

  • Other ARB + hydrochlorothiazide combinations: valsartan/HCTZ (Diovan HCT), irbesartan/HCTZ (Avalide), telmisartan/HCTZ (Micardis HCT), olmesartan/HCTZ (Benicar HCT)
  • ACE inhibitor + hydrochlorothiazide combinations: lisinopril/HCTZ (Zestoretic, Prinzide), enalapril/HCTZ (Vaseretic), benazepril/HCTZ
  • Single-agent ARBs: losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, telmisartan, olmesartan
  • Other common first-line options: amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker), chlorthalidone or hydrochlorothiazide alone, thiazide-like diuretics such as indapamide

Choice depends on coexisting conditions (for example, diabetes, kidney disease, gout), side-effect profile, and response to therapy. For cost notes on these options, see Typical prices in USD.

Typical prices in USD (approximate, cash pay)

These are broad ranges from common U.S. retail pharmacies; your price can be lower or higher based on insurance, pharmacy discount programs, coupons, dosage, and quantity. Mail-order and big-box stores may offer additional savings.

  • Generic losartan/HCTZ (Hyzaar generic): about $6 to $30 per 30 tablets for common strengths
  • Brand Hyzaar: about $200 to $450 per 30 tablets
  • Other generic ARB/HCTZ combos (for example, valsartan/HCTZ, irbesartan/HCTZ): roughly $10 to $40 per 30 tablets
  • Generic ACE inhibitor/HCTZ combos (for example, lisinopril/HCTZ): often $4 to $20 per 30 tablets
  • Single-agent generics (for example, losartan, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide): often $3 to $15 per 30 tablets

Check with your pharmacist for your exact copay and whether a lower-cost therapeutic alternative is appropriate for you.