Lopressor HCT

Lopressor HCT is used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). Metoprolol is a selective beta-1 blocker. It works on the heart and decreases heart rate. It also prevents the release of renin in the kidney (a hormone which causes vessels constriction) and so dilates and relaxes vessels, which lowers blood pressure to normal and increases the supply of oxygen and blood to the heart.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It prevents absorption of salt in kidney and increases excretion of water in urine and so decreasing amount of water (fluids) in the body which decreases pressure on vessels.

It is available in the form of the tablet only with doctor’s prescription.

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Lopressor HCT.

Before starting the treatment your doctor should be informed about condition such as:

Allergy: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children: There are no adequate studies done which prove metoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide harmful effects in children. However, safety and efficacy are not established.

Elderly: This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults. However, it should be used with caution if there are liver, kidney or heart problems.

Pregnancy: It is a category C drug. It should not be used in pregnancy. It is not known if it can cause harm or death to an unborn baby. Inform your doctor right away if you suspect you become pregnant while using it.

Breast Feeding: It can pass into breast milk and may harm your baby. If you are using Metoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide while nursing, discuss it with your doctor for possible risk factors.

Drug Interactions: Metoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He may want to change the dosage or drug.

Some of them are listed below:

• Acetyldigoxin.
• Amphetamine.
• Arsenic Trioxide.
• Dofetilide.
• Flecainide.
• Ketanserin.
• Levomethady.
• Prazosin.
• Terbinafine.
• An antidepressant: Bupropion, clomipramine, desipramine, duloxetine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline.
• An ergot medicine: Dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine.
• Heart or blood pressure medications: Amlodipine, clonidine, digoxin, diltiazem, dipyridamole, hydralazine, methyldopa, nifedipine, quinidine, reserpine, verapamil, and others.
• A mao inhibitor: Isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine.
• Medicine to treat mental illness: Chlorpromazine, fluphenazine haloperidol, thioridazine.

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

• Heart diseases (angina, heart failure, slow heartbeat, heart attack, heart block, heart rhythm problem).
• Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder.
• Diabetes (taking metoprolol may make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar).
• Liver disease.
• Problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).
• Thyroid disorder.
• Pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).
• Blood circulation problem.
• Systemic lupus erythmatosis.
• Gout.
• Glaucoma.
• Kidney disease.

To use Lopressor HCT properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Use it exactly as your doctor directed. Metoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide only help in reducing blood pressure. It does not cure blood pressure related problems.

It is very important to continue to take medicine as directed in order to keep blood pressure within normal range. You may need to use it for the rest of your life.

With Metoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide, you should also control your weight and diet. Avoid foods which are rich in sodium (salt).

You should swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew it. Take it with or just after your meal.

Dosage: It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. You must follow your doctor’s instructions.

For High Blood Pressure:

Tablet form:

• Adults: One or two tablets per day.

For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):

• Adults: At first, one tablet per day. The doctor may adjust your dose.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it almost a time for your next dose skips the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Doubling the dose is harmful.

Storage: Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.

Before using Lopressor HCT, there are some precautions you must take.

Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits. This drug may cause heart failure in some patients.

Inform your doctor if you are having chest pain or discomfort, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, swelling of face, hands, legs and sudden weight gain. These are signs of heart failure.

Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose of this drug before stopping it completely. It is dangerous to suddenly stop taking the drug.

Your blood sugar level may change while using this drug. It can also suppress signs of low blood sugar level such as high pulse rate.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Metoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care or surgery.

While using Metoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide get up slowly from lying or sitting position as you may feel Dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting on sudden rising up from bed or chair.

It may decrease alertness level in some people, do not do work which requires alertness such as driving, using machines or sharp objects until you know how you react to this drug. It may cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.

Inform your doctor if you start having dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, unusual tiredness or weakness, severe drowsiness or dizziness, seizures, a decrease in urine, or a fast heartbeat while you are using this medicine.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Lopressor HCT to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

All medicines have some side effects. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:

More common are:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Convulsions
• Decreased urine
• Dry mouth
• Increased thirst
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Loss of appetite
• Mood changes

Less common are:

• Ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain.
• Decreased ability to exercise.
• Difficult or labored breathing.
• Joint stiffness or swelling.
• Lower back or side pain.
• Swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs.
• Tightness in the chest.

Symptoms of overdose are:

• Blurred vision
• Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings.
• A chemical imbalance in the blood.
• Cold, clammy skin
• Coma
• Confusion
• Cough
• Dilated neck veins

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.