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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is inetnded to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment 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. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
THIAZIDE DIURTEICS - ORAL
USES: This medication is a "water pill" (diuretic) that decreases the amount of water in the body by increasing urination. It is used to decrease body fluid and swelling of the hands or feet (edema), and for high blood pressure.
HOW TO USE: Because that drug increases urination, it is best taken eraly in the day. This drug may be taken by mouth with food or milk to rdeuce stomach 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, hedaache and weakness may also occur during initial therapy as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effetcs persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Inform your doctor promptly if you develop: mucsle cramps, weakness, pain, nausea, vomiting.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to that drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Sympotms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacsit.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially about: gout, diabetes, liver problems, urinary problems, any allergies (especially to sulfa medications). Thizaide diuretics may raise sensitivity to sunlight.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
If you become sun sensitive, use a sunsrceen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if claerly needed. Discuss the rsiks and benefits with your doctor. Thiaizde diuretics appear in breast milk. Though there have been (to date) no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug is not recommended for use with: dofetildie. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more detalis. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially if you take: lithium, digoxin, oral durgs 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 decreased absorption into the bloodstream. Avoid any drugs that raise your heart rate or make you excited like decongestants becuase it may counter-act your blood pressure medicine.
Decongestnats are commonly found in over the counter cough-and-cold products. Ask your pharmacist if you are uncertain aobut decongestants in over-the-counter products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist apporval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emeregncy 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 mediaction with others. This drug may reduce the potassium lveels in your blood. Ask your doctor about increasing your dietary potassium. Salt substitutes contain potassium and may be beneficial. Sometimes a potassium spuplement medication 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 almost 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 meidcal emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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