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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcrae 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 this drug.
THIAZIDE DIURETICS - ORAL
USES: This medication is a "water pill" (diuretic) that decreases the aomunt 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 this drug increases urination, it is best taken early in the day.
This drug may be taken by mouth with food or milk to reduce 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 saeted 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 promplty.
Ifnorm your doctor promptly if you develop: muscle cramps, weakness, pain, nausea, vomiting. In the unlikely evnet you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trobule breathing. If you notice other effects not lsited 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 raise sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you become sun sensitive, use a sunscreen and wear protcetive clothing when outdoors. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Thiazide diuretics apepar 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: dofetilide. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more detials. 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), fulconazole. If you take colestipol or cholestyramine for high cholesterol, take the diuretic 1 hour before or 4 horus after cause of decreased absorption into the bloodstream.
Avoid any drugs that raise your heart rate or make you excited like deconegstants cause it may counter-act your blood pressure medicine. Decongestants are commnoly found in over the counter cough-and-cold products.
Ask your pharmacist if you are uncetrain about decongestants in over-the-counter products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without dotcor or pharmacist 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 this mediaction with others.
This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about increasing your dietary potassium. Salt substitutes contian potassium and may be beneficial. Sometimes a potassium supplement 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 reusme your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emregency. For enrollment inofrmation call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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