Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to bisoprolol or hydrochlorothiazide; or to other beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol); or to other thiazide diuretics (e.g., chlorothiazide); 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.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain types of heart rhythm problems (e.g., sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), certain serious heart conditions (cardiogenic shock, severe heart failure), inability to urinate (anuria).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure (treated, stable type), lung disease (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, gout, untreated salt imbalance (e.g., high calcium, low potassium/magnesium), loss of too much body water (dehydration), blood circulation problems (e.g., peripheral vascular disease), certain muscle diseases (e.g., myasthenia gravis), lupus, recent nerve surgery (e.g., sympathectomy), skin cancer.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to help prevent dizziness. Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause you to feel lightheaded. Avoid heavy exercise and hot weather. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor.
If you have diabetes, this product may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness/sweating, are unaffected by this drug. This product also may make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with 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 reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet. A potassium supplement may be prescribed by your doctor.
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.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.