Bisoprolol/HCTZ
(Bisoprolol/HCTZ)Bisoprolol/HCTZ Overview
This combination medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Bisoprolol/HCTZ contains two medications. Bisoprolol is a beta blocker that works by blocking the effect of certain natural chemicals (such as epinephrine) on the heart and blood vessels. This slows your heartbeat, lowers blood pressure, and reduces strain on the heart. Hydrochlorothiazide is a "water pill" (diuretic) that works by increasing the amount of urine that you make. This causes your body to get rid of extra salt and water, which probably helps to relax the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. These two drugs are used together when one medication is not controlling your blood pressure. Using these two drugs together can also reduce the amount of each drug you must take, thereby decreasing the chances of side effects.
Bisoprolol/HCTZ Warnings
If you have chest pain (angina) or heart disease (such as coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure), do not stop using Bisoprolol/HCTZ without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If your doctor decides you should no longer use Bisoprolol/HCTZ, you must gradually decrease your dose according to your doctor's instructions. When gradually stopping Bisoprolol/HCTZ, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease strain on the heart.worsening chest pain, tightness or pressure in the chest, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, sweating, trouble breathing, or fast/irregular heartbeat.
How to Use Bisoprolol/HCTZ
Take Bisoprolol/HCTZ by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The Dosage of Bisoprolol/HCTZ is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. It is best to avoid taking Bisoprolol/HCTZ within 4 hours of your bedtime to avoid having to get up to urinate. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule. If you are also taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after either of those drugs. Use Bisoprolol/HCTZ regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking Bisoprolol/HCTZ even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to 3 weeks before you get the full benefit of Bisoprolol/HCTZ. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (such as your routine blood pressure readings increase).
Bisoprolol/HCTZ Precautions
Before taking Bisoprolol/HCTZ, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to bisoprolol or hydrochlorothiazide; or to other beta blockers (such as metoprolol, atenolol); or to other thiazide diuretics (such as chlorothiazide); or if you have any other allergies. Bisoprolol/HCTZ may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Bisoprolol/HCTZ, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease, liver disease, certain types of heart rhythm problems (such as sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), heart failure, lung disease (such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, gout, untreated salt imbalance (such as high calcium, low potassium/magnesium), dehydration, blood circulation problems (such as peripheral vascular disease), certain muscle diseases (such as myasthenia gravis), lupus, recent nerve surgery (such as sympathectomy), skin cancer. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Bisoprolol/HCTZ. Bisoprolol/HCTZ may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Drink plenty of fluids while taking Bisoprolol/HCTZ to help prevent dizziness. Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause you to feel lightheaded. Avoid heavy exercise and hot weather. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. If you have diabetes, Bisoprolol/HCTZ may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness/sweating, are unaffected by Bisoprolol/HCTZ. Bisoprolol/HCTZ also may make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. Bisoprolol/HCTZ may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet. A potassium supplement may be prescribed by your doctor. Bisoprolol/HCTZ may make you more sensitive to the sun. It may also increase your risk for skin cancer, especially if you take it for a long time. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned, have skin blisters/redness, or notice new or changed moles/skin lesions. During pregnancy, Bisoprolol/HCTZ should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Bisoprolol/HCTZ passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Bisoprolol/HCTZ Misdose
If you miss a dose of Bisoprolol/HCTZ, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Bisoprolol/HCTZ Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.alpha blockers (such as prazosin, terazosin), diazoxide, digoxin, dofetilide, drugs that affect heart rhythm (such as disopyramide), epinephrine, fenoldopam, fingolimod, lithium, other drugs for high blood pressure (such as clonidine), probenecid, St John's wort. Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen). Bisoprolol/HCTZ can affect the results of certain lab tests (such as parathyroid, protein-bound iodide, tyramine and phentolamine tests). Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Bisoprolol/HCTZ.
Bisoprolol/HCTZ Side Effects
See also Precautions section. Dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, and drowsiness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, cough, constipation and trouble sleeping may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Bisoprolol/HCTZ may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use. Remember that Bisoprolol/HCTZ has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Bisoprolol/HCTZ do not have serious side effects. The hydrochlorothiazide in Bisoprolol/HCTZ may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.very dry mouth, extreme thirst, muscle cramps/weakness, fast heartbeat, fainting, seizures. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects,very slow/irregular heartbeat, swelling of the ankles/feet, shortness of breath, sudden/unexplained weight gain, loss of feeling/tingling in the fingers/toes, hair loss, decrease in vision, eye pain, mental/mood changes (such as nervousness, confusion), shaking, decreased sexual ability/interest, muscle/joint pain, signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). A very serious allergic reaction to Bisoprolol/HCTZ is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Bisoprolol/HCTZ Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Bisoprolol/HCTZ when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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