Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide), Timolol (TIM-oh-lol)

Treats high blood pressure (hypertension). This medicine is a combination of a beta-blocker (timolol) and a thiazide diuretic or "water pill" (hydrochlorothiazide).

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using insulin or diabetes medicine that you take by mouth (such as glipizide, glyburide, metformin, Actos®, Glucophage®, Glucotrol®), pain or arthritis medicine, also called "NSAIDs" (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®), or other blood pressure medicine (such as captopril, clonidine, diltiazem, enalapril, nifedipine, verapamil, Cartia®, Norvasc®, Tiazac®).
• Tell your doctor if you are using digoxin (Lanoxin®), lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®), quinidine (Quinidex®), or reserpine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, bronchitis, emphysema, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, gout, lupus, an overactive thyroid, myasthenia gravis, an electrolyte or mineral problem, or a history of stroke.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure does not usually make people feel bad. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without talking to your doctor.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
• This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, report any changes in your blood sugar to your doctor.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Chest pain, fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
• Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, or muscle cramps.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
• Seizures.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweats, and bluish-colored skin.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellowing of your skin, or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness or headache.
• Dryness or irritation of your eyes, blurred vision.
• Dry skin, hair loss, mild skin rash, or itching.
• Muscle weakness.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, or feet.
• Ringing in your ears.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088