What is this medicine?
METOPROLOL; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (me TOE proe lole; hye droe klor oh THYE a zide) is a combination of a beta-blocker and a diuretic. It is used to treat high blood pressure.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet
- difficulty breathing, wheezing
- increased thirst or sweating
- irregular heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
- muscle cramps
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- swollen legs or ankles
- tremor, shakes
- unusual skin rash or bruising
- unusually weak or tired
- vomiting
- worsened gout pain
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- cough
- decreased sexual function or desire
- depression
- diarrhea
- nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?- antiinflammatory drugs, NSAIDs like ibuprofen
- barbiturates like phenobarbital
- corticosteroids like prednisone
- lithium
- medicines for chest pain or angina
- medicines for diabetes
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart failure
- medicines to control heart rhythm
- prescription pain medicines
- rifampin
- skeletal muscle relaxants like tubocurarine
- some medicines for lowering cholesterol like colestipol or cholestyramine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.
Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine may affect your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before changing the dose of your diabetic medicine.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- circulation problems, or blood vessel disease
- decreased urine
- diabetes
- heart disease, heart failure or a history of heart attack
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
- pheochromocytoma
- slow heart rate
- thyroid disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide, metoprolol, sulfa drugs, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
Even though you may feel better you should not stop taking your high blood pressure medication without first checking with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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