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In this Article

• What is hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Lopressor HCT)?
• What happens if I overdose (Lopressor HCT)?
• What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?

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

• severe or uncontrolled heart failure;
• a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree);
• severe blood circulation problems;
• an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
• if you are unable to urinate;
• if you are allergic to any beta-blocker medication, such as atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others.

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

• congestive heart failure;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease (or cirrhosis);
• asthma or bronchospasm;
• a thyroid disorder;
• 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 metoprolol 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.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take the medicine with a meal or right after you eat.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Do not stop using hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol suddenly, or you could have a serious or life-threatening heart problem. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis, and you may need blood tests. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Your blood and urine may both be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.

If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar carefully. Using metoprolol 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 metoprolol. Talk with your doctor before changing any doses.

Hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol can affect the results of certain thyroid tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medication.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Keep taking this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store this medication in a tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.