Beta Blocker for Hypertension - Bisoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide

Bisoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide - prounced as (bis OH proe lol & hye droe klor oh THYE a zide).  Bisoprolol is a beta blocker hypertension medication that  blocks chemicals that stimulate the body.  Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) reduce blood pressure and flush out  of additional salt and water in the body through the kidneys.

Commonly Called:
U.S. Brand Names: Ziac®
Canadian Brand Names: Ziac®
Mexican Brand Names: Biconcor

Pharmacologic Category: Antihypertensive Agent, Combination

Key warnings to know about before taking this medicine
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. To avoid side effects, you will want to moderately stop taking it.

What is the main used for this medication?
- Hypertension treatment.

When not  to take this beta blocker medicine for hypertension?
If you have an allergy to bisoprolol, hydrochlorothiazide, or any other part of this medicine.

Precautions
 - Never run out of this medicine.
 - Wear disease medical alert identification.
 - If diabetic, there is tendency for raise blood sugar.  Consult with healthcare provider for necessary adjustments.
 - For lung disease problem, may have contra indication reaction. Consult with healthcare provider.
 - Do not take antacids or calcium supplements within 6 hours of this medicine.
 - If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.
 - You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
 - Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
 - Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
 - You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
 - W atch for gout attacks.
 -  Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

Side-effects
- Low potassium level. Signs include feeling tired, weak, numbness, or tingling; muscle cramps; constipation; vomiting; or fast heartbeat.
- Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Dizziness.
- Decreased sexual drive.

Things to watch out for when taking this medication?
- Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
- Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
- Check blood work (potassium). Talk with healthcare provider.

Call healthcare provider immediately when:
- Overdose suspicion
- Life-threatening reaction such as wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of low potassium.
- Severe dizziness or passing out.
- Breathing difficulty
- Extreme tiredness
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

Storage procedure
- Room temperature.
- Cover from moisture. Never store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements
- If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
- Never share medication with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
- Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
- Maintain a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

No Tags