METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE belongs to a group of medications called ‘antihypertensives’ used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It can also reduce oedema (fluid retention) in hypertensive patients. Hypertension is a condition in which there will be a persistent rise in blood pressure levels. This condition can also cause fluid retention, leading to peripheral oedema (swelling of legs and hands).
METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE is a combination of two medicines: Metoprolol and Chlorthalidone. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker and works by blocking epinephrine, resulting in a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic or water pill that acts by expelling excess water and salt from the body. It helps in decreasing fluid accumulation and oedema.
You should take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE may cause some side-effects such as anorexia (loss of appetite), nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, jaundice (yellowing of the whites of eyes and skin), dizziness, headache, visual abnormality, photosensitivity (sensitivity to light), orthostatic hypotension (dizziness on standing due to low blood pressure), weakness, restlessness, bradycardia (slow heart rate), and stomach pain. It may also electrolyte levels. If any of these side-effects persist, consult your doctor immediately.
Do not take METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE if you are allergic to any contents of it. Do not take METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE if you have heart rhythm problems, heart failure, blocked blood vessels, bradycardia (slow heart rate), chest pain, metabolic acidosis (increased acidity in the blood), and hypotension (low blood pressure). METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE should be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver diseases, allergy or asthma, and gout (increased uric acid levels in the blood). Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant and breastfeeding.
Hypertension (high blood pressure), Oedema (fluid overload)
METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE is a combination of two medicines: Metoprolol and Chlorthalidone. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker and works by acting on epinephrine, a hormone that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. So, blocking the action of epinephrine can result in a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic or water pill that acts by expelling excess water and salt from the body. It helps in decreasing fluid accumulation and swelling or edema.
METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE may cause abnormalities such as electrolyte imbalances such as a decrease in potassium, sodium or chloride levels. So, it is advised to monitor electrolyte levels before initiating this therapy and also should be used with extreme caution in patients with severe liver and kidney disease. METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE may cause photosensitivity, so avoid exposure to sunlight for prolonged periods. METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE contains lactose, so inform your doctor if you have any intolerance to sugars.
Drug-Drug Interaction: METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE may interact with antihypertensives (hydralazine), anti-diabetics, stomach ulcer medicines (cimetidine), heart rhythm disorder medicines (amiodarone), antidepressants (lithium), anaesthetics (cyclopropane), erectile dysfunction medicines (alprostadil), anxiolytics (diazepam), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, celecoxib), antibiotics (rifampicin), antifungals (terbinafine), birth control pills, corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, prednisolone), and hypotension treating drugs (norepinephrine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Alcohol consumption may worsen the side effects; hence please avoid it.
Drug-Disease Interaction: METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE should be avoided in conditions such as heart rhythm problems, heart failure, blocked blood vessels, bradycardia (slow heart rate), chest pain, metabolic acidosis (increased acidity in the blood), gout, and systemic lupus erythematosus (a skin condition), myasthenia gravis, psoriasis (an autoimmune skin disease), pheochromocytoma (high blood pressure due to tumor near the kidney), and severe hypotension (low blood pressure).
METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE may interact with alcohol and worsen the condition.
METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE is a category C drug. METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE should not be used in pregnant women unless clinically required and when benefits outweigh the risks.
METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE should be given to breastfeeding mothers only if clinically needed.
METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE may cause dizziness. So, refrain from activities that require you to stay alert such as driving and operating heavy machinery.
METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE should be used with caution in patients with severe liver diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney diseases. Regular monitoring of serum electrolyte levels and dose adjustments are necessary.
METOPROLOL+CHLORTHALIDONE is not recommended for use in children.
Hypertension: It is a chronic (long-term) condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently at higher than normal levels. It occurs when the blood’s force against the wall of blood vessels is too high. This condition can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes damage to the brain, kidneys, and eyes. The risk of high blood pressure complications increases with the following: obesity, smoking, diabetes, alcohol intake, lack of physical inactivity, stress, and kidney diseases.