Ziac is made by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Generic versions of this medication are made by various manufacturers.
How Does This Medication Work?
As mentioned, Ziac contains two different active ingredients,
bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide (also known as
HCTZ).
Bisoprolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more often known as
beta blockers. These medications block beta receptors, which are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. At lower doses in most people, bisoprolol helps to block a specific type of beta receptor, called beta-1 receptors (at higher doses, it also blocks beta-2 receptors). By blocking beta-1 receptors, this medication decreases both heart rate and
blood pressure.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood, which is then passed through urine. As a result, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume. Because of this effect, this medication can
lower blood pressure and help with water retention.
When and How to Take Ziac
Some general considerations for those taking this medicine include the following:
- Ziac comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day.
- You can take this medicine with a meal or on an empty stomach.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Ziac will not work if you stop taking it.
- In general, Ziac should not be stopped suddenly, as serious problems (including heart attacks) may result.
The dose of Ziac your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your high blood pressure
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Just like any medicine, Ziac may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems; most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious problems are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Ziac Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Ziac can potentially interact with a number of other medications
(see Ziac Interactions).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Ziac if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
An overdose is likely to cause dangerously low
blood pressure (hypotension), a slow heart rate (bradycardia), electrolyte imbalances, and other serious problems. If you happen to take too much Ziac, seek medical attention right away.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Ziac?
If you forget to take your Ziac dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Ziac tablets come in the following strengths:
- Ziac 2.5 mg/6.25 mg -- 2.5 mg of bisoprolol and 6.25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide
- Ziac 5 mg/6.25 mg -- 5 mg of bisoprolol and 6.25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide
- Ziac 10 mg/6.25 mg -- 10 mg of bisoprolol and 6.25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide.
Is There a Generic Version of Ziac?
This medication is currently available in generic form
(see Generic Ziac for more information).
