The combination of bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide is a combination medication used for the treatment of high blood pressure. This medication contains two different drugs: bisoprolol (a beta-blocker) and hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic). These drugs work together to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. In addition to medication, you may be prescribed certain lifestyle changes to help control blood pressure (such as exercise and dietary adjustments).

The combination of bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide is available in its generic form, or under the brand name Ziac.

The combination of bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide is primarily prescribed as a treatment for high blood pressure. This medication may be used alone or in conjunction with other medicines/ therapies to lower blood pressure and prevent further complications such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

High blood pressure is a dangerous – potentially fatal – condition in which the heart is met with too much resistance from blocked or narrowed arteries as it tries to pump blood and oxygen around your body. When not treated, high blood pressure can lead to an array of serious health issues including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and many more complications. Nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure, and heart disease is the leading cause of death of people in the United States.

Bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide are two different drugs used in tandem in a single pill to lower blood pressure.

Bisoprolol belongs to a classification of medications known as beta-blockers. These medications work by blocking the transmission of certain nerve impulses. When stimulated, nerves release a chemical called epinephrine (also known as adrenaline). Adrenaline can cause blood vessels to tighten and narrow. Narrowed blood vessels make it more difficult for blood to be pumped through the body, leading to an increase in blood pressure.

By preventing epinephrine’s effect on blood vessels, bisoprolol keeps blood vessels relaxed and open which reduces blood pressure and minimizes the risk of cardiac conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.

Hydrochlorothiazide is classified as a thiazide diuretic (also known as a water pill). These drugs help your kidneys release extra salt and water into the urine. This lessens the amount of water in the body which decreases the amount of fluid flowing through veins and arteries. This makes it easier for blood and oxygen to flow to the heart – which helps lower blood pressure.

It is important to note that this combination of medications is not a cure for high blood pressure, though it does help control it. Your blood pressure treatment may include prescriptions for other medications, as well as lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes and increased exercise. Talk to your doctor before starting any of these lifestyle changes to determine the best treatment plan for you.

This combination medication has been shown to cause some adverse side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these side effects become severe, or do not go away within a few days.

Common symptoms reported while taking bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide include:

• Fatigue/ drowsiness
  
• Indigestion
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Erectile dysfunction/ decreased sex drive
  
• Muscle aches
  
• Runny nose
  
  

More serious side effects include:

• Difficulty breathing
  
• Swelling
  
• Fainting
  
• Chest pain
  
• Rapid weight gain
  
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
  
• Excessive tiredness
  
  

Seek medical attention right away if you begin to notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a serious adverse reaction and medical treatment is required.

As with all prescription medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide. This medication can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.

Let your provider know if you have or have had asthma or other lung diseases, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, an irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or circulation problems. You should also inform your provider if you have or have had heart, liver, or kidney disease.

Bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide can cause drowsiness. Because of this, you should not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Finally, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, inform your health care provider immediately.

The combination of bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide is commonly supplied as an oral tablet. The specific dosage ordered by your health care provider depends on your condition, your age, and your body weight. Take this medication exactly as ordered. Do not increase or discontinue the dosage without consulting with your health care provider first.

Keep all medication bottles out of reach of small children, and at room temperature. Avoid exposing the medication to excess heat or moisture.

If you begin to notice any adverse side effects like those listed above, notify your health care provider immediately.

If you miss a dose of bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide, take it as soon as you can. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide.

The combination of bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide is right for you. Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.