A health problem that many people in our country have is 'high blood pressure' or hypertension. So when you go to see a doctor, you are likely prescribed medicine for high blood pressure. Today, we are going to talk about a combination of two of the most commonly prescribed medicines. These are the medicines called Propranolol and Hydrochlorothiazide. You may find this medicine in your medicine cabinet under a brand name like Inderide instead of this name. Let's take a simple look at this medicine.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Propranolol: This belongs to a class of drugs called ``beta blockers''. It works by slightly controlling your heart rate and relaxing your blood vessels, thereby lowering your blood pressure. It's like widening a pipe that's flowing water a little, reducing the pressure of the water flowing through it.
2. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): This is a drug that belongs to the group of drugs called ``diuretics''. You may have heard that our people also call this "water pill". This works by removing unnecessary water and salt from the body through urine. This then reduces the amount of fluid inside the blood vessels, which controls blood pressure.
So, this medicine helps control your blood pressure in both ways.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is very important. Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor should be very aware of your health condition. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor .
- Circulatory problems or blood vessel conditions
- If there is a decrease in urine output
- Diabetes
- Gout
- Heart disease or heart failure
- Immune system problems
- Kidney disease
- Liver diseases
- Lung or respiratory diseases like asthma
- Pheochromocytoma, a cancerous condition of the adrenal gland
- Thyroid disease
- If you are allergic to this medicine, to sulfa drugs, or to any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant, or are hoping to become pregnant
- If you are a breastfeeding mother
Hiding this information will only harm you. So don't be afraid to talk openly about these things with your doctor.
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the correct dosage, and at the correct time. If possible, try to take it at the same time every day. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly for any reason until your doctor tells you to stop. Doing so can cause serious heart problems.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the recommended dose, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
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.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
This medicine requires a little attention on your part.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: Some people may experience dizziness and drowsiness when starting this medication. Therefore, stay away from activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until your body gets used to this medication. Especially if you are an elderly person, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting position or from bed. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can make dizziness and drowsiness worse. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
- Diabetes: If you are taking medication for diabetes, this medication may cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate slightly. So talk to your doctor about this and ask if you need to make any changes to your diet or diabetes medication, if necessary.
- Other medications: Ask your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, or pain. Some painkillers (such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen) can increase your blood pressure.
- Dehydration: If you have severe diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, your body will lose a lot of water. Taking this medicine at that time can be dangerous. In such cases, consult your doctor.
- Sunlight: Your skin may be a little sensitive to sunlight while taking this medication. So limit your exposure to strong sunlight. If you do, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone gets them. Let's break these down into two categories.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/mouth/tongue/throat. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness. |
| Changes in heart rate | Abnormally fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, chest pain. |
| Vision changes | Changes in vision, eye pain. |
| Other serious symptoms | Severe dizziness, fainting, swelling of the legs or ankles, muscle pain or stiffness, pain when urinating, numbness in the limbs. |
| Symptoms of high blood sugar | Unusual thirst or hunger, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| 🙂 Things to tell your doctor if they are usually not serious, but persist | |
| Digestive system | Stomach upset, diarrhea (constipation), dry mouth. |
| Other | Headaches, hair loss, changes in sexual desire or performance. |
Take-Home Message
- Propranolol and Hydrochlorothiazide are a combination of two medications used to control high blood pressure.
- Do not start, change the dosage, or suddenly stop taking this medication without your doctor's advice.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- Be careful when driving and doing tasks that require attention, as dizziness and drowsiness may occur after taking the medicine.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as skin allergies, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- Store the medicine at room temperature, out of the reach of children, away from moisture and excessive heat.
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