Bisoprolol And Hydrochlorothiazide Side Effects

Bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription drug combination used for the treatment of high blood pressure. This medication contains a beta blocker, which slows the heart rate and decreases the force of the heartbeat, and a diuretic, which decreases excess fluid. These effects combine to lower the blood pressure.

Cardiovascular and Blood-Related Side Effects

Common cardiovascular and blood-related side effects include heart failure, slow heart rate, fast heart rate, abnormal heart rhythm and antinuclear antibodies in the blood (antibodies that can harm the body's tissues). Less common side effects include low blood pressure, blood clot in the vein, lowered blood volume, lowered blood pressure upon standing, insufficient blood flow to the extremities, swelling of the tissue in the lungs due to fluid buildup, stroke, difficulty walking due to inadequate blood flow to the lower legs, low white blood cell level, low platelet level, low red blood cells due to the body not making an adequate supply, high or low blood sugar, increased uric acid level, electrolyte imbalance, elevation of "bad" cholesterol level and elevation of liver enzymes. Mayo Clinic states that chest pain or discomfort is an uncommon side effect of this medication.

Respiratory Side Effects

Respiratory side effects of bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide are uncommon and include runny or stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, sneezing, obstruction of the bronchus or its smaller branches, sore throat and cough. According to Drugs.com, spasms of the bronchi have occurred rarely with bisoprolol fumarate, a component of this medication.

Neurological Side Effects

Common neurological side effects include fatigue, dizziness and the sensation of movement. Less common side effects include fainting, drowsiness, weakness, numb or tingling skin, tingling of the hands or feet, headache, lightheadedness, flushing, depression, sleep problems, slurred speech, memory loss, hallucination, loss of reality, ringing in the ear, dry eyes, eye irritation or inflammation and blurry vision.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Common gastrointestinal side effects include dry mouth, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, intestinal gas and diarrhea. Less common side effects include stomach acid, belching, indigestion, heartburn, enlarged liver, injury to the colon due to inadequate blood flow, blood clots in the arteries around the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation of the liver, acute inflammation of the pancreas and abnormal tissue growth that can block urine flow from the kidneys to the bladder.

Musculoskeletal Side Effects

Musculoskeletal side effects are uncommon and include muscle pain, muscle spasms, stiffness, joint pain, swollen joints and gout.

Urinary and Reproductive Side Effects

Common urinary and reproductive side effects of bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide include voiding large amounts of almost clear urine, nighttime voiding, decreased sexual interest and impotence. Less common side effects include difficult or painful urination, loss of sexual interest and accumulation of plaque or scar tissue in the penis which causes it to curve upon erection.

Skin-Related Side Effects

Skin-related side effects are uncommon and include yellowed skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, rash, hives, itching, baldness, increased sweating, sensitivity to sunlight, dry skin, red or purple skin blotches, and scaly and inflamed skin.

Other Side Effects

Another common side effect is decreased exercise tolerance. Less common side effects include weight loss, rapid weight gain, difficulty moving, fever and swelling of the face, feet, hands or lower legs. According to 2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, an allergic reaction can also occur, manifested by red rash, fever, sore throat, difficulty breathing and life-threatening spasms of the vocal cords.