Product Details: Ziac (Bisoprolol/Hydrochlorothiazide)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a beta blocker and diuretic combination used to treat high blood pressure.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE an increase in urine or in frequency of urination. To prevent this from affecting sleep, try not to take a dose later than 6 pm. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE before checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. YOUR DOCTOR MAY HAVE ALSO PRESCRIBED a potassium supplement for you. If so, follow the dosing carefully. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor. BEFORE TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes decongestants such as phenylpropanolamine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: this medicine may mask signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heart rate. Check blood glucose levels regularly.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness or lightheadedness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience swelling of ankles or feet; unusual thirst or fatigue; muscle pain or weakness; difficulty breathing; or an unusually slow or irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Bisoprolol/Hydrochlorothiazide