In this Article

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

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide and bisoprolol (Ziac)?

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

• severe or uncontrolled heart failure;
• a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree);
• slow heartbeats;
• if you are unable to urinate;
• if you are allergic to sulfa drugs; or
• 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.

To make sure you can safely take hydrochlorothiazide and bisoprolol, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• congestive heart failure;
• blood circulation problems;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease (or cirrhosis);
• glaucoma;
• asthma, or bronchospastic lung disease;
• a thyroid disorder;
• lupus;
• gout;
• diabetes; or
• a penicillin allergy.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether hydrochlorothiazide and bisoprolol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Hydrochlorothiazide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using hydrochlorothiazide and bisoprolol.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and bisoprolol (Ziac)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. 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.

Do not stop using hydrochlorothiazide and bisoprolol 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.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood and urine may both be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated. Visit your doctor regularly.

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

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

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

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

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