Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Lopressor HCT

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Pronunciation: HYE droe klor oh THYE a zide and me TOE proe lole)

• What is hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Lopressor HCT)?
• What happens if I overdose (Lopressor HCT)?
• What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

HCTZ-Metoprolol 100 mg-25 mg-MYL

oval, peach, imprinted with M 434

HCTZ-Metoprolol 100 mg-50 mg-MYL

oblong, peach, imprinted with M 445

HCTZ-Metoprolol 50 mg-25 mg-MYL

round, peach, imprinted with M 424

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• eye pain, vision problems;
• swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
• feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
• nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, extreme thirst, headache, confusion, hallucinations, seizure (convulsions);
• increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle pain or weakness or limp feeling;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• sore throat, body aches;
• blurred vision; or
• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?

You should not use this medication if you have severe or uncontrolled heart failure, a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block," severe blood circulation problems, an adrenal gland tumor, an allergy to beta-blockers, or if you are unable to urinate.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, kidney or liver disease, cirrhosis, glaucoma, asthma or bronchitis, gout, lupus, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar carefully. Using metoprolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar. Your insulin or diabetic medication needs may change while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol. Talk with your doctor before changing any doses.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Keep taking this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

There are many other medicines that can interact with hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.

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