Propranolol Hcl-Hctz

See also Warning section.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. You may take this medication with or without food, but it is important to choose one way and take this medication the same way with every dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. It is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule.

If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens (such as your routine blood pressure readings increase).

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.

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 type of 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 breast-feeding.

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: alpha blockers (such as prazosin), aluminum hydroxide, chlorpromazine, diazoxide, dofetilide, other drugs to treat high blood pressure (such as clonidine, hydralazine, methyldopa), epinephrine, fezolinetant, fingolimod, haloperidol, other heart medications (such as digoxin, disopyramide, propafenone, quinidine), lithium, mefloquine, rizatriptan, theophylline, thioridazine, drugs for thyroid disease (such as methimazole, propylthiouracil, thyroid supplements including levothyroxine), warfarin.

Other medications can affect the removal of propranolol from your body, which may affect how propranolol works. Examples include cimetidine, St. John's wort, certain SSRI antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine), rifamycins (such as rifabutin), among others.

Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as glaucoma screening test, parathyroid test, protein-bound iodide test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney function, complete blood counts, skin exams, blood mineral levels such as potassium) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Have your blood pressure and heart rate checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and heart rate at home, and share the readings with your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.