Brand name:

Inderide

Generic ingredients: Inderal (Propranolol hydrochloride), Hydrochlorothiazide

Why is Inderide prescribed?

Inderide is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It combines a beta blocker with a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). Beta blockers decrease the force and rate of heart contractions, thus lowering blood pressure. Diuretics help your body produce and eliminate more urine, which also helps lower blood pressure.

Most important fact about Inderide

You must take Inderide regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Inderide; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Inderide does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Inderide?

Take Inderide exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared.

Try not to miss any doses. If this medication is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen.

• If you miss a dose...
  Take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is within 8 hours, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

• Storage instructions...
  Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, protected from moisture, freezing, and excessive heat.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Inderide.

• Side effects may include:
  Allergic reactions, blood disorders, congestive heart failure, inflammation of the pancreas, depression, light-headedness, low blood pressure, nausea, slow heartbeat, vomiting

Why should Inderide not be prescribed?

If you have inadequate blood supply to the circulatory system (cardiogenic shock), certain types of irregular heartbeat, slow heartbeat, bronchial asthma, or congestive heart failure, you should not take this medication.

Do not take Inderide if you are unable to urinate or if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients or to sulfa drugs.

Special warnings about Inderide

Inderide should not be stopped suddenly. This can cause chest pain and even heart attack. Dosage should be gradually reduced.

Diuretics can cause your body to lose too much potassium. Signs of an excessively low potassium level include muscle weakness and rapid or irregular heartbeat. To boost your potassium level, your doctor may recommend eating potassium-rich foods or taking a potassium supplement.

If you suffer from asthma, seasonal allergies or other bronchial conditions, or kidney or liver disease, your doctor will prescribe this medication with caution.

This medication may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar or alter blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, discuss this with your doctor.

If you have a history of allergies or bronchial asthma, you are more likely to have an allergic reaction to Inderide.

Inderide may interfere with the screening test for glaucoma (excessive pressure in the eyes) and pressure within the eyes may increase when the medication is stopped.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Inderide if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Inderide

If Inderide 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 before combining Inderide with the following: