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.

PRECAUTIONS: You may want to check your pulse everyday while taking this drug. Discuss with your doctor what changes in your pulse rate mean. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. You may also be allergic to this medication. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug is not recommended for use with: dofetilide. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all the prescription and nonprescription medicines you may use, especially of: other beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), diuretics ("water pills"), St John's wort. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include slow heartbeat, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, drowsiness, unconsciousness, seizures, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, or muscle weakness.

NOTES: Do not share this product with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

QUESTION

Salt and sodium are the same. See Answer