Hydrochlorothiazide and propranolol

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

Propranolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Hydrochlorothiazide and propranolol is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

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

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or propranolol, or if you have:

• asthma;

• severe or uncontrolled heart failure;

• slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint;

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

• if you are unable to urinate.

To make sure hydrochlorothiazide and propranolol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• congestive heart failure;

• a breathing disorder;

• diabetes;

• a thyroid disorder;

• glaucoma;

• kidney disease;

• liver disease (or cirrhosis);

• lupus;

• gout; or

• an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Hydrochlorothiazide and propranolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Hydrochlorothiazide and propranolol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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

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 propranolol.

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.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain;

• fast, slow, or uneven heartbeats;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• wheezing or trouble breathing;

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

• cold feeling in your hands and feet;

• confusion, hallucinations;

• low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, extreme thirst, increased urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;

• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery; or

• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;

• dizziness, spinning sensation;

• sore throat, body aches;

• blurred vision;

• depressed mood; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 to 25 mg-Propranolol 40 to 80 mg orally twice a day

Maximum dose: Hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg-Propranolol 160 mg per day

Comments: When necessary, another antihypertensive agent may be added gradually beginning with 50% of the usual recommended starting dose.

Data not available