hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol Health Article

Generic name(s):

hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol

Brand name(s):

hydrochlorothiazide-metoprolol, Lopressor HCT

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol?

You should not use this medication if you have severe or uncontrolled heart failure, a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block," severe blood circulation problems, an adrenal gland tumor, an allergy to beta-blockers, or if you are unable to urinate.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, kidney or liver disease, cirrhosis, asthma or bronchospasm, gout, lupus, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar carefully. Using metoprolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar. Your insulin or diabetic medication needs may change while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol. Talk with your doctor before changing any doses.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can lower your blood pressure and may add to the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Keep taking this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

There are many other medicines that can interact with hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Metoprolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or metoprolol, or if you have:

• severe or uncontrolled heart failure;

• a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree);

• severe blood circulation problems;

• an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);

• if you are unable to urinate;

• if you are allergic to any beta-blocker medication, such as atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others.

Before using hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• congestive heart failure;

• kidney disease;
• liver disease (or cirrhosis);

• asthma or bronchospasm;

• a thyroid disorder;

• lupus;

• gout;

• diabetes; or

• if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.