Metoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets

What is this medication?

METOPROLOL; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (me TOE proe lole; hye droe klor oh THYE a zide) treats high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels and helps your kidneys remove more fluid through the urine, which lowers blood pressure. It is a combination of a beta blocker and a diuretic.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lopressor HCT

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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, such as asthma
• Pheochromocytoma
• Slow heart rate
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to metoprolol, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa medications, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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 medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cidofovir
• Dofetilide
• Tranylcypromine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Certain medications for cholesterol, such as cholestyramine and colestipol
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• Lithium
• MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, and Nardil
• Medications for diabetes
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• Norepinephrine
• NSAIDS, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Opioid medications for pain
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone

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 medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. This may increase your risk of side effects, such as chest pain and heart attack. If you no longer need to take this medication, your care team will lower the dose slowly over time to decrease the risk of side effects.

If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.

This medication may affect blood glucose levels. It can also mask the symptoms of low blood sugar, such as a rapid heartbeat and tremors. If you have diabetes, it is important to check your blood sugar often while you are taking this medication.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

Check with your care team if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.

This medication 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 sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
• Gout—severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joints, such as the big toe
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
• Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in sex drive or performance
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Upset stomach

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.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.