ZIAC

Who is Ziac for ?

Bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide is a combination product used to treat high blood pressure. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Ziac is is a combination of bisoprolol, a beta blocker and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. The bisoprolol portion of Ziac relaxes blood vessels and helps the heart beat more regularly. Bisoprolol also helps relax the tone of the heart to allow it to function more efficiently. The hydrochlorothiazide portion works in the kidney to remove excess water and sodium from the body into the urine. Hydrochlorothiazide may also relax the muscles in blood vessel walls, making blood flow more easily.

When should I be careful taking Ziac ?

Do not stop taking bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your doctor first. If this medication is stopped suddenly, it may cause chest pain or heart attack in some people.

Before taking bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bisoprolol, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially clonidine; medications for migraine headaches, asthma, allergies, diabetes, colds, or pain; other medications for heart disease or high blood pressure; anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin) or naproxen (Aleve); corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); probenecid (Benemid); reserpine; rifampin (Rifadin); and vitamins. If you also are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take it at least 1 hour after bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung disease; heart, liver, or kidney disease; diabetes; gout; severe allergies; circulation problems; or thyroid or parathyroid problems.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking bisoprolol, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The hydrochlorothiazide portion may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Side Effects

Although side effects from bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide are not common, they can occur. this medication may make you urinate more frequently at first, but that will subside as your body becomes accustomed to it. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness or lightheadedness
• excessive tiredness
• headache
• upset stomach or pain
• diarrhea
• muscle aches, weakness, or cramps
• cold hands and feet
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• hair loss

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• sore throat and fever
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• swelling of the feet or hands
• unusual weight gain
• chest pain
• slow, irregular heartbeat
• skin rash or peeling of the skin