High blood pressure, or 'pressure' as we all know it, is a health problem that many people in our country have. Sometimes it is difficult to control the pressure with just one medication. In such cases, doctors recommend a combination of two or more medications. Today we are going to talk about one such commonly used combination of medications. Those are the two medications called Metoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide.
What is this medicine? Let's understand it simply.
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Metoprolol: This belongs to the group of drugs called 'beta-blockers' . This works by controlling the heart rate a little and reducing the workload on the heart. Think of it like slowing down a car that is running fast and giving the engine a break. This reduces the pressure in the blood vessels.
2. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): This is a type of diuretic . It is also known as the "water pill." It works by removing excess salt and water from the body through urine. This reduces the amount of fluid (blood volume) in the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.
When these two medications work together, high blood pressure can be controlled more effectively.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
It is essential that your doctor knows your complete medical history before prescribing this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, or a slow heart rate.
- If you have lung or respiratory diseases such as asthma.
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- If you have circulation problems.
- If you have conditions such as thyroid disease or pheochromocytoma.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to these medications (Metoprolol, Hydrochlorothiazide), sulfa drugs, or any other medicine or food.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How to use the medicine correctly?
Be aware of these points when using this medicine.
- Take it on time: Take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. Make this a habit.
- Take with food: It is generally advised to take this medicine with or after a meal.
- Don't stop: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor. Doing so may cause your blood pressure to suddenly increase.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
- Overdose: If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, it can be dangerous. If this happens , go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
Regular tests
See how your blood pressure is being controlled, and go to the clinic regularly as your doctor tells you. If you measure your blood pressure at home, talk to your doctor about that too.
Be careful of dehydration.
The 'water pill' in this medicine causes the body to lose more water and salt. Therefore, if you have severe diarrhea, vomiting, or are sweating excessively, you may become dehydrated and become dangerously dehydrated. If this happens, tell your doctor.
Drowsiness and dizziness
This medicine may make some people feel drowsy or dizzy. Avoid dangerous activities such as 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 out of bed. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
No alcohol!
Drinking alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
Special notice for people with diabetes
This medicine may slightly increase blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, talk to your doctor about this and ask if you need to make any changes to your diet or diabetes medication, if necessary.
Be careful of the sun.
Your skin may be slightly sensitive to the sun while using this medicine. Therefore, limit your exposure to strong sunlight as much as possible. If you do go out, wear clothing that covers your skin and use a good sunscreen.
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.
| Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Vision changes, eye pain | Skin blisters, peeling skin (even inside the mouth) |
| Difficulty breathing, wheezing | Feeling unusually weak or tired |
| Heart rhythm irregularities, chest pain | Swelling of the legs or ankles |
| Coldness of the hands and feet, numbness | Yellowing of the eyes or skin (symptoms like jaundice) |
| Muscle pain, lameness | Symptoms of high blood sugar (excessive hunger, thirst, frequent urination) |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Cough | Diarrhea |
| Nausea | Changes in sexual function |
| Depression | |
Other things that may interact with this medicine
If you are taking other medications while taking this medicine, there may be interactions between the two. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Be especially careful about the following:
- Painkillers, especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen
- Other medications for diabetes
- Other blood pressure medications or heart disease medications
- Types of corticosteroids (e.g. Prednisone)
- Lithium
- Some cholesterol-lowering medications
Take-Home Message
- Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
- Be aware of possible dizziness, drowsiness, and dehydration when taking the medication.
- If you experience any serious side effects, seek medical advice immediately.
- Attend medical clinics on time and have your blood pressure checked regularly.
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