MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
November 22, 2009
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary
Font Size
A
A
A
Disclaimer



GENERIC NAME: BETA-BLOCKERS W/THIAZIDE DIURETICS - ORAL

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: If you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this medication, you must stop this medication gradually according to your doctor's instructions.

USES: This combination medication is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Beta-blockers slow the heart rate. Thiazide diuretics, also known as "water pills", reduce fluid accumulation in the body by increasing urination.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not adjust the dose without consulting your doctor. Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Because this drug increases urination, avoid taking a dose in the late evening before bedtime. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

SIDE EFFECTS: You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness or blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Because beta-blockers reduce blood circulation to the extremities, your hands and feet may be more susceptible to cold. Thiazide diuretics can cause potassium loss from the body. It is advisable to eat foods or drink liquids high in potassium such as citrus juice, bananas, melons, raisins and dates. Use of salt substitutes also help prevent potassium loss. Sometimes potassium supplement medication may be prescribed by your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulty, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen hands or feet, confusion or depression, excessive thirst, muscle cramps, yellowing of the eyes or skin, sore throat. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow/irregular heartbeat. This medication may increase sensitivity to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • High Blood Pressure - Learn about high blood pressure symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision and more. Causes, and normal blood pressure information is included.
  • High Blood Pressure Treatment - Read about high blood pressure treatments including calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, and clonidine (Catapres).

Latest Medical News


Back to Medications Index

copyright


Women's Health

Find out what women really need.


Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain



beta-blockers w/thiazide diuretics-oral

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, which is the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...

Read the High Blood Pressure Treatment article »



Top 2
beta-blockers w/thiazide diuretics-oral Related Articles







Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.