$Unique_ID{BRK03227} $Pretitle{} $Title{methyclothiazide} $Subject{Aquatensen Wallace Enduron Abbott Ethon Major antihypertensive Diuretic methyclothiazide high blood pressure fluid accumulation heart failure cirrhosis liver kidney disease elimination salt water kidneys} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. methyclothiazide ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Aquatensen (Wallace) Enduron (Abbott) Ethon (Major) methyclothiazide (various manufacturers) TYPE OF DRUG Diuretic and antihypertensive INGREDIENT methyclothiazide DOSAGE FORM Tablets (2.5 mg and 5 mg) STORAGE This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. USES Methyclothiazide is prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by certain conditions, such as heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease, and by the long-term use of some medications. This medication reduces fluid accumulation by increasing the elimination of salt and water through the kidneys. TREATMENT This medication can be taken with a glass of milk or with a meal to decrease stomach irritation (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Try to take it at the same time every day. Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 P.M.; otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose. This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Constipation, cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, restlessness, or upset stomach. As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear. This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is, therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads) and exercise more (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about blurred vision, confusion, difficulty in breathing, dry mouth, excessive thirst, excessive weakness, fainting, fever, itching, joint pain, mood changes, muscle pain or spasms, nausea, palpitations, skin rash, sore throat, tingling in the fingers or toes, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Methyclothiazide interacts with several other types of medications: 1. It may decrease the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants, antigout medications, insulin, oral antidiabetic medicines, and methenamine. 2. Fenfluramine can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effects of methyclothiazide (which can be dangerous to your health). 3. Indomethacin can decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of methyclothiazide, thereby counteracting the desired effects. 4. Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease the absorption of this medication from the gastrointestinal tract. Methyclothiazide should, therefore, be taken one hour before or four hours after a dose of cholestyramine or colestipol (if one of those medications has also been prescribed). 5. The side effects of amphotericin B, calcium, cortisone and cortisone-like steroids (such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone), digitalis, digoxin, lithium, quinidine, sulfonamide antibiotics, and vitamin D may be increased by methyclothiazide. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to methyclothiazide or any other sulfa drug, including other diuretics, oral antidiabetic medications, or sulfonamide antibiotics. * Before you start taking methyclothiazide, tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney disease or problems with urination, diabetes mellitus, gout, liver disease, asthma, pancreatic disease, or systemic lupus erythematosus. * Methyclothiazide can cause potassium loss. Signs of potassium loss include dry mouth, thirst, weakness, muscle pain or cramps, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor. To help avoid potassium loss, take this drug with a glass of fresh or frozen orange juice or cranberry juice or eat a banana every day. The use of a salt substitute also helps to prevent potassium loss. Do not change your diet or use a salt substitute, however, before discussing it with your doctor. Too much potassium can also be dangerous. Your doctor may want to have blood tests performed periodically in order to monitor your potassium levels. * In order to avoid dizziness or fainting while taking this medication, try not to stand for long periods of time; avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol; and try not to get overheated (avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas). * Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for weight control or for cough, cold, allergy, asthma, or sinus problems, unless your doctor directs you to do so. Some of these products can cause an increase in blood pressure. * To prevent dehydration (severe water loss) while taking this medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. * This medication can raise the blood sugar level in diabetic patients. Therefore, blood sugar levels should be carefully monitored by blood or urine tests when this medication is being taken. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Methyclothiazide can cross the placenta and may cause adverse effects in the developing fetus. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Although problems in humans have not been reported, small amounts of this drug can pass into breast milk, so caution is warranted. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.