Ziac® is a registered name for a combination drug that contains bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide, which are a beta-blocker and a diuretic. This medication is typically used to treat high blood pressure, though it may also have off-label uses for other cardiac conditions. Like most medications, Ziac® may cause side effects, is not appropriate to all individuals, and may have certain drug interactions.
The effectiveness of Ziac® can be understood when its mechanisms of action are explained. The hydrochlorothiazide reduces water retention, which puts less pressure on the circulatory system. At the same time, the beta-blocker, bisoprolol, tends to slow the rate and force of each heartbeat, so that blood pressure is lowered. When hypertension doesn’t respond to a single medication, medicines like Ziac® may be considered as an excellent alternative.
One of the side effects noted with this drug, which is attributed to its diuretic ingredient, is its tendency to cause dehydration. People need to be certain to drink plenty of water, especially during exertion and in warmer weather. Severe dehydration may occur if people aren’t well hydrated, causing symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, extreme dizziness and hallucinations or other types of altered mental states. Patients should verify with doctors how much liquid they should regularly consume to avoid this dangerous side effect.
There are also less serious side effects that some individuals may experience. These include diarrhea, persistent cough, or blurred vision. Ongoing experience of these side effects should be mentioned to doctors. Patients experiencing other severe side effects like changes to heart rhythm, allergic reaction, severe swelling or signs of a heart attack or stroke should get immediate medical attention.
Certain individuals may not be good candidates for Ziac®. Generally, the drug isn’t prescribed to pregnant women, people with a variety of autoimmune disorders or those with asthma. Certain heart conditions, like congestive heart failure or heart block, may also contraindicate this medication.
The drug may only occasionally be prescribed for people who have liver or kidney disease. Typically, off-label prescription decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. If the medication is given to people with other health conditions, the dose may be lower and more tests might be required to ascertain that the person is not having complications.
Additionally, some medications may dangerously interact with Ziac® or at least call for changed dosage directions. Lithium, calcium channel blockers, insulin, and many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may change the way the beta-blocker/diuretic works and can create strong reactions. Some cholesterol blocking drugs and steroids like prednisone could also contraindicate Ziac®’s use. Whenever patients receive a new prescription, they can avoid interactions by presenting physicians with a list of all medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal medicines or supplements they presently take.