Chemical Name: BISOPROLOL FUMARATE and HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE


Common uses

This medicine is a beta blocker and diuretic combination used to treat high blood pressure.

Before using

Warning: if you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using this medicine without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this medicine, you must stop this medicine gradually according to your doctor's instructions. 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 mibefradil. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking cimetidine, clonidine, diazoxide, digoxin, digitoxin, flecainide, insulin, ketanserin, lithium, or verapamil. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of heart block. 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. 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 from affecting sleep, try not to take a dose later than 6 pm.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. 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 Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or 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. Do not stop taking this medicine before checking with your doctor. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.

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, with other medicines, or with alcohol 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 or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.

Your doctor may have also prescribed a potassium supplement for you. If so, follow the dosing carefully. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor. Before taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes decongestants such as phenylpropanolamine.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

For patients with diabetes mellitus: this medicine may mask signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heart rate. Check blood glucose levels regularly.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness or lightheadedness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience swelling of ankles or feet; unusual thirst or fatigue; muscle pain or weakness; difficulty breathing; or an unusually slow or irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slow heart rate, dizziness, weakness, fainting, coughing, and trouble breathing.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. 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.