Hydrochlorothiazide and bisoprolol

You should not use this medicine if you are unable to urinate. You should not use hydrochlorothiazide and bisoprolol if you have a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block," severe heart failure, or slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, leg cramps, numbness and tingling, slow heartbeats or fainting.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your blood levels of bisoprolol.

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb hydrochlorothiazide and bisoprolol.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: Bisoprolol 2.5 mg-Hydrochlorothiazide 6.25 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: Bisoprolol 20 mg-Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-Increase the dose every 14 days if optimal response not achieved.
-This drug may be substituted for titrated individual components (e.g., inadequate control on bisoprolol 2.5 to 20 mg or adequate control on hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg but with significant potassium loss).
-Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided; taper therapy gradually over approximately 2 weeks.
-If withdrawal symptoms occur, therapy may be temporarily reinstituted.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with bisoprolol, especially:

• colestipol or cholestyramine;

• insulin or oral diabetes medicine;

• lithium;

• sedatives or narcotic medicine;

• heart or blood pressure medicine--clonidine, digoxin, diltiazem, disopyramide, reserpine, verapamil, and others;

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or

• steroid medicine--prednisone and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with bisoprolol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.