Merck Hyzaar blood pressure reduction is 50% greater than Cozaar alone; combo approved April 28.

Executive Summary

MERCK HYZAAR BLOOD PRESSURE REDUCTION IS 5.5/3.5 mmHg BETTER THAN COZAAR at the starting dose of the combination product, according to labeling approved by FDA April 28. The combination offers the potential for a 50% increase in blood pressure reduction compared to losartan alone, Merck said. The approval comes exactly two weeks after the agency's April 14 approval of Merck's Cozaar (losartan potassium tablets). Hyzaar is a combination of Cozaar and low-dose hydrochlorothiazide indicated for treatment of hypertension. Merck filed the Hyzaar NDA (20-387) on Dec. 10, 1993.