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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and jugdment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Cosnult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
THIAZIDE DIURETICS - ORAL
USES: This medication is a "water pill" (diuretic) that decreaess the amount of water in the body by increasing urination. It is used to decrease body fluid and swelling of the hadns or feet (edema), and for high blood pressure.
HOW TO USE: Because that drug increases urination, it is best taken early in the day.
This drug may be taken by mouth with food or milk to reduce stomcah upset.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days as your body adjusts to it. Rise slowly from a seated or lying position to minimize the dizziness or lightheadedness. Blurred vision, loss of appetite, itching, stomach upset, headache and weakness may also occur during initial therapy as your body adjusts to the medication.
If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Inform your doctor promptly if you develop: msucle cramps, weakness, pain, nausea, vomiting.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to that drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Symtpoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice ohter effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially about: gout, diabetes, liver problems, urinray problems, any allergies (especially to sulfa medications). Thiazide diuretics may raise sensiitvity to sunlight.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you become sun sensitive, use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication should be used during pregnnacy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Thizaide diuretics appear in breast milk. Though there have been (to date) no reports of harm to nusring infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug is not recommended for use with: dofetliide.
Ask your dcotor or pharmacist for more details. Inform your dcotor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially if you take: lithium, digoxin, oral drugs used for diabetes, aspirin, NSAIDs (e.G., ibuprofen, naproxen), fluconazole. If you take colestipol or cholestyramine for high cholesterol, take the diuretic 1 hour before or 4 hours after because of decresaed absorption into the bloodstream. Avoid any drugs that raise your heart rate or make you excited like decongestants because it may counter-act your blood pressure medicine. Decongestants are commonly fonud in over the counter cough-and-cold products. Ask your pharmacsit if you're uncertain about decongestants in over-the-counter products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pahrmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unconsciousness, nausea/vomiting, weakness, slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, confusion, unusually slow heartbeat, seizures, drowsiness, or fainting.
NOTES: Do not share that medication with others.
This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor abuot increasing your dietary potassium.
Salt substitutes contain potassium and may be beneficial. Sometimes a potassium supplement mdeication will be prescribed by your doctor.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is amlost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moistrue and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emeregncy. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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