Bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)

Introduction:

Bisoprolol Fumarate (bis-oh-PROE-lol FUE-ma-rate), Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide)

Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of a beta blocker and a diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

Ziac, Bisoprolol Fumarate/Hydrochlorothiazide

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using digoxin (Lanoxin®), cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), clonidine (Catapres®, Combipres®), diabetes medicine (insulin or oral medicine such as Avandia®, Glucophage®), diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, Hyzaar®, Lasix®, Moduretic®), pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, Advil®, Aleve®, Motrin®, Orudis®), steroids (such as cortisone, prednisone, Azmacort®, Flonase®), medicines to treat abnormal heart rhythm such as disopyramide (Norpace®), or other blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, verapamil, Accupril®, Adalat®, Altace®, Cardizem®, Ismelin®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Procardia®, Tiazac®, Toprol®, Vasotec®, Zestril®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives). Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have lung problems, blood vessel disorders, diabetes, gout, liver disease, kidney disease, problems urinating, overactive thyroid, or circulation problems.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely. Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
• Confusion, weakness, dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps
• Fast, slow, or irregular heart beat
• Fainting, seizures, blue fingernails or palms
• Swelling in you feet, ankles, or legs
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Problems having sex
• Trouble sleeping
• Constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset, loss of appetite
• Stuffy nose

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: