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Compare Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Ziac

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Hydrochlorothiazide (generic name) and Ziac (bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide) are both medications used to lower blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic, also known as a water pill, that helps you urinate more to remove extra fluid and certain electrolytes from your body. Ziac, on the other hand, is a combination of two medications: bisoprolol, a cardioselective beta blocker, and hydrochlorothiazide. Bisoprolol works by slowing down your heart rate and lowering blood pressure, while hydrochlorothiazide in Ziac has the same diuretic effect as when taken alone. Hydrochlorothiazide is typically taken once or twice daily, whereas Ziac is taken once daily. Both medications can cause dizziness and increased urination. Ziac may also cause tiredness and has a specific warning about stopping it suddenly due to the risk of serious heart problems. Additionally, both medications are available in generic forms, which can help save you money.

  • Hydrochlorothiazide
    Ziac (bisoprolol / hydrochlorothiazide)
  • Hydrochlorothiazide
    Ziac (bisoprolol / hydrochlorothiazide)

  • Summary of Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Ziac

    Summary for Diuretic (water pill)
    Prescription only

    Hydrochlorothiazide is a water pill that helps to lower blood pressure and ease swelling from fluid (edema) caused by many health conditions, such as heart failure and kidney problems. Typically, you take hydrochlorothiazide by mouth once (sometimes twice) daily. Some common side effects of hydrochlorothiazide include dizziness and urinating more often.

    Summary for Beta blocker / Diuretic (water pill)
    Prescription only

    Ziac, the brand name for bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide or bisoprolol/HCTZ, is a combination medication. It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults. It contains two classes of medications: a beta blocker (bisoprolol) and a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once a day. Some side effects include dizziness and tiredness.

  • Indications of Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Ziac

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling in the body from fluids (edema), in addition to other medications
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Ziac

    Pros and Const for Diuretic (water pill)
    Pros
    •Does a good job getting rid of extra fluids in your body
    •A first choice treatment option if you have high blood pressure and heart failure
    •Provider can adjust dose based on your response
    •Might protect against osteoporosis over time since it raises the body's level of calcium
    Cons
    •Makes you urinate more often
    •Must be used with caution in people with severe kidney or liver problems
    •Raises risk of gout attacks in people with poor kidney function or a history of gout
    •Can cause electrolytes and fluid levels to be out of balance, which can be dangerous
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker / Diuretic (water pill)
    Pros
    •Only taken once daily
    •Combines two blood pressure medications into one tablet
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Comes in fixed dosage strengths, so it's harder to adjust the doses of the individual ingredients
    •Can make you urinate more often
    •Not a good option for people with a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Ziac

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Skin more sensitive to sunlight
    •Temporary blurred vision
    •Headache
    •Low blood pressure
    •Electrolytes out of balance
    •Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)

  • Warnings of Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Ziac

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vision problems
    •Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
    •Waste build up in body
    •Higher blood sugars
    •Gout
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of heart problems after stopping Ziac (bisoprolol / hydrochlorothiazide) suddenly
    •Risk of heart failure
    •Changes in fluids and electrolytes in the body
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Caution use in people with breathing problems
    •Caution use in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD)
    •Risk of vision problems and glaucoma

  • Prices with our coupons for Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Ziac

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    Learn more about Ziac

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