Timolol and hydrochlorothiazide

Timolol and hydrochlorothiazide combination is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled .

Timolol is a beta-blocker. It works by affecting the response to some nerve impulses in certain parts of the body, like the heart. As a result, the heart beats slower and decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart .

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine, which helps lower the blood pressure .

timolol and hydrochlorothiazide is available only with your doctor's prescription .

In addition to the use of timolol and hydrochlorothiazide, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet .

Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well .

Remember that timolol and hydrochlorothiazide will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease .

Do not interrupt or stop taking timolol and hydrochlorothiazide without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly, which can be dangerous .

Dosing

The dose of timolol and hydrochlorothiazide will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of timolol and hydrochlorothiazide. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults—One tablet two times a day, or two tablets once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of timolol and hydrochlorothiazide, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• cough
• difficult or labored breathing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• noisy breathing
• shortness of breath
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• sweating
• tightness in chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• wheezing

• Bloody or cloudy urine
• dilated neck veins
• extreme fatigue
• fast heartbeat
• irregular breathing
• pain in lower back or side
• small clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lung when listening with a stethoscope
• swelling of face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• weight gain

• Ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain
• fixed position of eye
• headache
• inability to speak
• joint stiffness or swelling
• muscle cramps
• seizures
• severe numbness, especially on one side of the face or body
• severe or sudden headache
• slurred speech
• temporary blindness
• weakness in arm and/or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Lack or loss of strength

• Acid or sour stomach
• belching
• darkening of skin color
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• diarrhea
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• difficulty in moving
• having a hard time focusing or doing everyday activities
• heartburn
• inability to have or keep an erection
• indigestion
• joint pain
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• muscle aching, pains, or stiffness
• nausea
• nervousness
• rash
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• sleeplessness
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• swollen joints
• trouble sleeping
• unable to sleep

• Earache

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.