This product is used to treat high blood pressure
(hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart
attacks, and kidney problems.
This product contains 2 medications. Propranolol is a
beta blocker that works by blocking certain natural chemicals in your body
(such as epinephrine) that affect the heart and blood vessels. This effect
reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
Hydrochlorothiazide is called a "water pill" (diuretic) and causes your
body to get rid of extra salt and water. This effect may increase the
amount of urine you make when you first start the medication. It also helps
to relax the blood vessels so that blood can flow through the body more
easily.
These medications are used together when 1 drug is not
controlling your blood pressure. Your doctor should direct you to start
taking the individual medications first, and then switch you over to this
combination product if this is the best dose combination for
you.
See also Warning section.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually twice daily. You may take this medication with or without
food, but it is important to choose one way and take this medication the
same way with every dose.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need
to wake up to urinate. It is best to take this medication at least 4 hours
before your bedtime. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have
questions about your dosing schedule.
If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol
(bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this
product at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these
medications.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Keep
taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood
pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to several weeks before you get
the full benefit of this drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or
increase).
See also Warning and Precautions sections.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, or tiredness
may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Nausea/vomiting, stomach
pain, and unusual dreams may also occur. If any of these effects last or
get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get
up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Propranolol may reduce blood flow to your hands and
feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress
warmly and avoid tobacco use.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This product may cause dehydration and electrolyte
imbalance. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these serious
symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, including unusual dry
mouth/thirst, muscle cramps/weakness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, or
confusion.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- fainting
- blue fingers/toes
- mental/mood changes (such as depression)
- numbness/tingling of arms/legs
- new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness
of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight
gain)
- very slow heartbeat
- decreased sexual ability
- increased thirst/urination
- decrease in vision
- eye pain
- easy bruising/bleeding
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever)
- aching/swollen joints
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, yellowing eyes/skin, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine)
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to propranolol or hydrochlorothiazide; or to
other thiazides (such as chlorothiazide); or if you have had a serious
reaction to other beta blockers (such as metoprolol, atenolol); or if you
have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients,
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- breathing problems (such as asthma, bronchitis,
emphysema)
- diabetes
- heart failure
- certain types of heart rhythm problems (sinus bradycardia,
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, second- or third-degree atrioventricular
block)
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's disease)
- a certain adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma)
- mental/mood disorders (such as depression)
- certain muscle/nerve disease (myasthenia gravis)
- gout
- dehydration
- lupus
- certain recent nerve surgery (sympathectomy)
- severe allergic reactions
- untreated mineral imbalance (such as low potassium/magnesium,
high calcium)
- skin cancer
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision.
Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you
can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are
using marijuana (cannabis).
Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause
dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have
severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids
unless your doctor tells you not to.
This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood.
Ask your doctor about increasing the amount of potassium in your diet (such
as by eating bananas or drinking orange juice) or about using a salt
substitute containing potassium. A potassium supplement may be prescribed
by your doctor.
This product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you
would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low
(hypoglycemia). The risk is higher if you have diabetes, or are vomiting,
fasting, or not eating regularly. Other symptoms of low blood sugar level,
such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this
drug.
If you have diabetes, this product may make it harder to
control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as
directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms
of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may
need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or
diet.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
It may also increase your risk for skin cancer, especially if you take it
for a long time. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and
sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell
your doctor right away if you get sunburned, have skin blisters/redness, or
notice new or changed moles/skin lesions.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of
this product, especially dizziness.
During pregnancy, this product should be used only when
clearly needed. Infants exposed to the medications in this product during
pregnancy may have low birth weight, low blood sugar, slow
breathing/heartbeat, liver problems, or bleeding problems. Discuss the
risks and benefits with your doctor.
The medications in this product pass into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- dofetilide
- epinephrine
- fingolimod
- lithium
Other medications can affect the removal of propranolol
from your body, which may affect how propranolol works. Examples include
quinidine, rifamycins (such as rifabutin), among others.
This medication can slow down the removal of other
medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of
affected drugs include fezolinetant, propafenone, thioridazine, among
others.
Some products have ingredients that could raise your
heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are
using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products,
diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as glaucoma screening test, parathyroid test, protein-bound iodide
test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all
your doctors know you use this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: very
slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, trouble
breathing.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs,
exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this
medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that
might benefit you.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney function,
complete blood counts, skin exams, blood mineral levels such as potassium)
should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and
lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Have your blood pressure and heart rate checked
regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood
pressure and heart rate at home, and share the readings with your
doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.