Ziac

Be aware that Ziac could make you more sensitive to sunlight.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Ziac

If Ziac is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor when combining Ziac with the following:

Any other blood pressure drugs, including the calcium-blockers diltiazem (Cardizem), disopyramide (Norpace), and verapamil (Calan)
Alcohol
Barbiturate sedatives such as Seconal and Nembutal
Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Colestid and Questran
Clonidine (Catapres)
Diabetes drugs (oral)
Disopyramide (Norpace) and similar drugs used to treat irregular heartbeat
Epinephrine (EpiPen)
Guanethidine (Ismelin)
Insulin
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Muscle relaxants such as tubocurarine
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, Motrin, or Tylenol
Norepinephrine
Painkillers such as codeine or morphine
Reserpine
Rifampin (Rifadin)
Steroids such as prednisone

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Ziac during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Ziac should be used only if the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

It is not known if Ziac appears in breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Dosage is tailored to each individual's needs. The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams of bisoprolol with 6.25 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide once a day. If this dose is ineffective, the dose may be increased every 14 days up to a maximum of 20 milligrams bisoprolol/12.5 milligrams hydrochlorothiazide once a day.

If you have asthma, bronchial problems, or kidney or liver disease, the doctor may have you take a very low starting dose. Extreme caution should be used if the dose has to be increased.