1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Salt Quiz!
3. Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or metoprolol, or if you have:

• severe or uncontrolled heart failure;
• a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree);
• severe blood circulation problems;
• an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
• if you are unable to urinate; or
• if you are allergic to any beta-blocker medication, such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Dutoprol, Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), and others.

To make sure you can safely take hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• congestive heart failure;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease (or cirrhosis);
• glaucoma;
• asthma or bronchitis;
• a thyroid disorder;
• lupus;
• gout;
• diabetes; or
• if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using this medication.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take the medicine with a meal or right after you eat.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Do not stop using hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol suddenly, or you could have a serious or life-threatening heart problem. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood and urine may both be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated. Visit your doctor regularly.

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.

Hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol can affect the results of certain thyroid tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medication.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

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

Store this medication in a tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.