Do you also have high blood pressure, or "high blood pressure" as we all know it? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you medication. Sometimes, to best control your blood pressure, doctors recommend a combination of more than one medication. Today, we're going to talk about a combination of two such medications. This one contains two medications called Bendroflumethiazide and Nadolol. You may know it by the brand name `(Corzide)`.
What really happens with this combination of medications?
This is very simple to understand. The two types of medication in this help control your blood pressure in two ways.
1. Bendroflumethiazide: This belongs to the group of drugs called diuretics. We usually call these "water pills." Simply put, this drug works by speeding up the excretion of excess water and salt from your body through urine. Just as the amount of water in a water pipe increases, the pressure in it increases, so does the amount of fluid in our blood vessels. So, by reducing the amount of excess fluid, this drug reduces the pressure on the blood vessels.
2. Nadolol: This belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers. It works by slowing down the heart rate and reducing the workload on the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood. When the heart works calmly, the pressure on the blood vessels also decreases.
So, when these two methods are combined, they can be of great help in controlling high blood pressure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your health condition | Why is it important to inform about it? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine can affect blood sugar levels and may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). |
| Heart disease, a history of heart attacks, or palpitations | Beta-blockers can further slow the heart rate, which can worsen existing conditions. |
| Lung diseases such as asthma | This medicine can sometimes constrict the airways and worsen asthma. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Because these organs are involved in the process of removing drugs from the body, if their function is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be changed. |
| Thyroid diseases | This medicine may mask some symptoms of overactive thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). |
| Allergies to sulfa drugs, other medications, or foods | Because Bendroflumethiazide is a drug related to the sulfa group, there is a risk of allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Because this medicine can affect the baby, it is essential to discuss it with the doctor. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
- Try to take the prescribed dose at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor prescribed. When you make this a habit, you are less likely to forget to take your medicine.
- This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or discomfort, it is better to take it with a meal.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
The most important thing is, do not stop taking this medication on your own unless your doctor tells you to. If you stop taking this medication suddenly, your blood pressure may suddenly rise and you may experience dangerous conditions such as chest pain.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is only a few hours until your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.
Things to consider when taking medication
- Check in regularly: See your doctor on regular days to check your progress. If you have a blood pressure monitor at home, measure and record your blood pressure as your doctor tells you.
- Be careful of dehydration: If you have diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, you may lose a lot of fluid from your body. It can be dangerous to take this medicine at this time. Therefore, if you experience such a condition, call your doctor for advice.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make some people feel drowsy or dizzy. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are an elderly person, stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or when you get out of bed. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can make you feel dizzy and drowsy, and it's also bad for your blood pressure.
- Be careful when going out in the sun: This medicine may make some people's skin sensitive to the sun. Therefore, it is a good idea to wear a hat, long-sleeved clothing, and sunscreen when going out in the sun.
- Medicines for other illnesses: Before you buy over-the-counter medicines for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine, be sure to ask your doctor . Because some medicines contain ingredients that can increase your blood pressure.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness |
| Changes in heart rate | Irregular heartbeat, chest pain |
| Circulatory problems | Cold, blue, or numb hands and feet |
| Other serious symptoms | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, excessive muscle twitching, difficulty speaking, severe weakness |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system | Diarrhea, nausea |
| Psychological effects | Depression, extreme fatigue |
| Other | Cough, changes in sexual function |
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Do not stop taking the medicine on your own for any reason.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all other illnesses you have and all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and Ayurvedic medicines).
- Be careful when driving and performing hazardous tasks, as dizziness and drowsiness may occur when taking the medication.
- Be aware of serious side effects (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions). If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
- Don't miss out on seeing your doctor on your scheduled appointments and getting your blood pressure checked.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Bendroflumethiazide and Nadolol used for?
This is a highly effective combination therapy pill that combines two drugs that work in two different ways to control high blood pressure. Instead of taking two separate pills, this one pill provides the body with both powerful drugs called Bendroflumethiazide (a water pill) and Nadolol (a beta-blocker). It is used for people whose blood pressure is not reduced by regular pills.
💬 How can the combination of these two drugs successfully lower blood pressure?
It's like putting out a fire by pouring water on it, but it also cuts off the oxygen to the fire! First, 'Bendroflumethiazide' removes excess salt/sodium and water (Fluid Volume) from your body through urine (lowering blood pressure). Then, 'Nadolol (Beta-blocker)' blocks the adrenaline receptors in your heart, slowing down your heart rate and making it work more easily.
💬 What are the precautions/side effects to watch out for when taking these pills (Bendroflumethiazide; Nadolol)?
The biggest problem is Nadolol! This can constrict the airways in the lungs. Therefore, 'people with asthma/wheezing/COPD may suffocate and die if they take this! (Contraindicated)'. Also, Bendroflumethiazide causes the body to lose potassium when it is excreted in the urine, which can cause muscle cramps/hair loss and fatigue (Hypokalemia) (it can also increase blood sugar in people with diabetes).
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