hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine Health Article

Generic name(s):

hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine

Brand name(s):

hydrochlorothiazide-reserpine, Hydropres-25, Hydropres-50, Hydroserpine

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

Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine may make you feel dizzy. Do not stop taking hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine suddenly. Even if you feel better, you need this medication to control your condition. Stopping suddenly could cause severe high blood pressure, anxiety, and other dangerous side effects.

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having surgery.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine?

Reserpine lowers blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. This allows your blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and your heart to beat more slowly and easily.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It helps to lower your blood pressure and decrease edema (swelling) by increasing the amount of salt and water you lose in your urine.

Together, hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine?

Do not take hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine if you have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics. You may have an allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide.

You must not take hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine if you

• have peptic ulcer disease (stomach ulcers);

• have ulcerative colitis;

• are suffering from depression (especially if you have suicidal thoughts);

• are receiving electroconvulsive shock therapy; or

• are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• gallstones or other stomach problems,

• kidney or liver disease,

• diabetes,

• gout,

• a collagen vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus,

• high cholesterol or triglyceride levels,

• pancreatitis,

• asthma, or

• any type of heart disease.

You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine if you have any of these conditions.

Hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether hydrochlorothiazide will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine therapy. You may require a lower dose of this medication. Hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine has not been approved for use by children.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine?

Take hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Do not stop taking hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine suddenly. Stopping suddenly could make your condition much worse or cause very serious side effects.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.