Drugs & Vitamins

Ziac Active Ingredients: Bisoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide Representative Names: Ziac Available Product Images: What are bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide? What side effects may I notice from taking bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide? What should I watch for while taking bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide? Where can I keep my medicine? What are bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide tablets? (Back to top) BISOPROLOL; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (Ziac™) controls, but does not cure, high blood pressure (hypertension). Bisoprolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill). Generic bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide tablets are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm •autoimmune disease such as lupus (SLE) •bradycardia (unusually slow heartbeat) •chest pain (angina) •circulation problems, or blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease) •depression •diabetes •electrolyte imbalance (e.g. low or high levels of potassium in the blood) •emphysema, COPD, or other lung disease •gout •heart disease (such as heart failure or a history of heart attack) •kidney disease •liver disease •muscle weakness or myasthenia gravis •pancreatitis •pheochromocytoma •post-sympathectomy •psoriasis •thyroid disease •sulfonamide (sulfa) or thiazide allergy •an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide, bisoprolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet (e.g. using potassium substitutes) •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide tablets by mouth. You can take bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide tablets with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) 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 drug(s) may interact with bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide? (Back to top) •allopurinol •antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) •calcium supplements •cevimeline •clonidine •cocaine or amphetamine •dolasetron •ginger, Zingiber officinale •griseofulvin •hawthorn •lithium •liothyronine •mefloquine •medicines for chest pain or angina •medicines for colds and breathing difficulties •medicines for diabetes •medicines for high blood pressure or heart failure •medicines to control heart rhythm (including amiodarone, digoxin, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine, and sotalol) •monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™) •porfimer •prochlorperazine (Compazine®) •rifampin •some antibiotics which increase sensitivity to sunlight (sulfonamides, tetracyclines) •some medicines for lowering cholesterol (colestipol or cholestyramine) •some medicines for weight loss (including some herbal products, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine) •vitamin A (retinol) creams or pills •water pills (diuretics) Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •changes in vision (e.g. blurred vision) •cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet •confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells •difficulty breathing, wheezing •fever or chills •increased thirst or sweating •increase or decrease in the amount of urine passed •fast or uneven heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain •slow heart rate (fewer than recommended by your prescriber or health care professional) •joint pain •muscle cramps •redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth •stomach pain •swollen legs or ankles •tremor, shakes •unusual skin rash or bruising •unusual tiredness or weakness •vomiting •worsened gout pain •yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •anxiety •cough •depression, nightmares •diarrhea •increased sensitivity to the sun •nausea •sexual difficulties, impotence •tiredness or fatigue What should I watch for while taking bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide? (Back to top) Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. When you check your blood pressure, write down the measurements to show your prescriber or health care professional. If you are taking this medicine for a long time you must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Make sure you schedule appointments on a regular basis. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks. Check with your health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid while you are taking a diuretic can cause dehydration and lower the blood pressure below normal. Bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine. Do not take medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Do not treat yourself for a fever or sore throat; check with your prescriber or health care professional first. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking bisoprolol; hydrochlorothiazide. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature at 15 to 30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/31/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.