hydrochlorothiazide and timolol Health Article

Generic name(s):

hydrochlorothiazide and timolol

Brand name(s):

hydrochlorothiazide-timolol, Timolide 10-25

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

You should not use this medication if you have a history of asthma or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe or uncontrolled heart failure, a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block," an allergy to sulfa drugs, 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, bronchospastic lung disease, gout, lupus, diabetes, a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis, a history of stroke, a thyroid disorder, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs..

If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar carefully. Using timolol 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 timolol. 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 timolol.

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 using 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 timolol. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and timolol?

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

Timolol 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 timolol is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

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

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

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

• a history of asthma or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);

• severe or uncontrolled heart failure;

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

• if you are unable to urinate.

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

• congestive heart failure;

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

• bronchospastic lung disease;

• a thyroid disorder;

• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;

• a history of stroke;

• 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 timolol 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.