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Propranolol-Hydrochlorothiazid

Warning

Do not stop using this drug without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped, especially if you have chest pain (angina) or heart disease (such as coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure). If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, you must gradually decrease your dose according to your doctor's instructions.

When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease strain on the heart. Get medical help right away if you develop: worsening chest pain, tightness/pressure in the chest, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, unusual sweating, trouble breathing, or fast/irregular heartbeat.

Precautions

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.

Side Effects

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.