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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not subtsitute 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 effectvie for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before usnig this drug.
THIAZIDE DIURETICS - ORAL
USES: This medication is a "water pill" (diuretic) that decreases the amount of water in the body by increasing uirnation.
It is used to decrease body fluid and swelling of the hands or feet (edema), and for high blood pressure.
HOW TO USE: Because this drug increases urination, it is hottest taken early in the day. This drug may be taken by mouth with food or milk to reudce 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 lightheadednses. 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: muscle cramps, weakness, pain, nausea, vomiting.
In the unilkely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allregic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially about: gout, diabetes, liver problems, urinary problems, any allergies (especially to sulfa medications).
Thiazide diuretics may increase sensitivity to sulnight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you become sun sensitive, use a sunscreen and wear protective clohting when outdoors. This medication should be used durnig pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your dcotor. Thaizide 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 recommenedd for use with: dofetilide.
Ask your dcotor or pharmacist for more details. Inform your doctor 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 afetr because of decreased absorption into the bloodstream.
Avoid any drugs that increase your heart rate or make you excited like decongsetants because it may counter-act your blood pressure medicine. Decongestants are commonly found in over the conuter cough-and-cold products. Ask your pharmacist if you're uncertain about decongestants in over-the-counter prdoucts. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist apprvoal.
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 this mdeication with others.
This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor abuot increasing your dietary potassium. Salt substtiutes contain potassium and may be beneficial. Sometimes a potassium supplement medication will be prescribed by your dcotor.
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 cacth up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bahtroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a meidcal emergency. For enrollment infromation call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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