What is Lopressor HCT?
Hydrochlorothiazide, also known as water pills, is a thiazide-type diuretic. Metoprolol acts as a beta blocker.Lopressor is a combination drug used to treat hypertension.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Lopressor HCT.
Side effects of Lopressor HCT
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Lopressor may have serious side effects. If you experience:
- Bronchospasm is a condition that causes chest pain, difficulty breathing, and wheezing.
- Fainting; slow breathing (breathing can stop).
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light
- Low sodium level: leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats or increased thirst, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness, or a limp feeling.
- Low sodium level: headache; confusion; slurred words; severe weakness; nausea. Loss of coordination.
Lopressor HCT side effects may include:
- Tired feeling
- Sore throat.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide
Warnings
Lopressor HCT should not be used if you suffer from a serious condition, such as "sick-sinus syndrome" or an "AV block", or if you faint due to slow heartbeats.Lopressor HCT should not be used if you cannot urinate.Even if you are feeling fine, do not suddenly stop taking this medication. Sudden stopping can cause life-threatening or serious heart problems. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dosage.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- If you suffer from a serious condition of the heart, such as "sick-sinus syndrome" or an "AV block", or if you cannot pump blood normally (unless your heart is fitted with a pacemaker),
- You fainted because of slow heartbeats.
- Heart failure that is severe or uncontrolled
- An allergy to sulfa drugs.
- If you're unable to urinate,
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Congestive heart failure;
- Slow heartbeats
- Blood circulation problems
- Asthma and other breathing disorders
- Peripheral arterial disease, such as Raynaud syndrome.
- Diabetes;
- A thyroid disorder
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- Pheochromocytoma
- Glaucoma;
- Lupus;
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.Anyone younger than 18 is not allowed to use Lopressor HCT.
How to take Lopressor HCT?
Follow the directions in the guide or instructions that comes with the medication.Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Take the medicine exactly as directed.Lopressor HCT can be taken with or without food.This includes vomiting, diarrhoea, or heavy sweating. You may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, or heavy perspiration. If you have diarrhoea or vomiting, call your doctor.You will also need frequent blood tests. Blood tests may be required frequently.Check your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Lopressor HCT may make it more difficult for you to detect low levels of blood sugar. You should not alter your medication schedule or dose without consulting your doctor.Tell your surgeon that you use Lopressor HCT if you require surgery.Even if you are feeling well, continue to use Lopressor HCT according to the instructions. High blood pressure can often be symptomless. Blood pressure medication may be needed for the rest of your life.Even if you are feeling fine, do not suddenly stop taking Lopressor HCT. Sudden stopping can cause life-threatening or serious heart problems. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dosage.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Overdose symptoms include a fast or slow heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or fainting.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how Lopressor HCT affects you. You may have impaired reactions. You may feel dizzy if you get up quickly from a seated or lying position.Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication.Avoid overheating or dehydration during exercise and hot weather. You should follow your doctor's advice on the amount and type of liquid to drink. Drinking too much liquid is as dangerous as not drinking enough.The use of hydrochlorothiazide can increase your risk of skin cancer. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more. You may be asked to undergo regular skin checks by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor what other medications you are taking, including:
- Cholestyramine, colestipol;
- Clonidine;
- Digoxin;
- Diltiazem, verapamil;
- Epinephrine
- Lithium;
- An MAO inhibitor—isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others;
- Nsaids (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib (Advil), diclofenac (Indomethacin), meloxicam, and many others.
This list is incomplete. Lopressor HCT may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible interactions with other drugs.
