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03234.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK03234}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{metolazone}
$Subject{Diulo Searle Microx Pennwalt Zaroxolyn Diuretic antihypertensive
metolazone high blood pressure fluid accumulation heart failure cirrhosis
liver kidney disease elimination salt water kidneys}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Diulo 2.5 mg*0323401.scf
Diulo 5 mg*0323402.scf}
Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
metolazone
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)
Diulo (Searle)
Microx (Pennwalt)
Zaroxolyn (Pennwalt)
TYPE OF DRUG
Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT
metolazone
DOSAGE FORM
Tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg)
STORAGE
This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.
USES
Metolazone is prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It is also used
to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such as heart
failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term use of some
medications. Metolazone reduces fluid accumulation by increasing the
elimination of salt and water through the kidneys.
TREATMENT
To decrease stomach irritation, you can take this medication with a glass
of milk or with a meal (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 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. Also, be very
careful going up and down the stairs.
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, fever, itching, joint pain, mood changes, muscle
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
Metolazone interacts with several other types of drugs:
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
metolazone (which can be dangerous).
3. Indomethacin can decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
metolazone, and counteract the desired effects.
4. Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease the absorption of this
medication from the gastrointestinal tract. Metolazone should, therefore, be
taken one hour before or four hours after a dose of cholestyramine or
colestipol (if you have also been prescribed one of these medications).
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 when these drugs are taken
concurrently with metolazone.
Before starting to take metolazone, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.
WARNINGS
* Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to metolazone or to any other sulfa drugs,
including other diuretics, oral antidiabetic medications, or sulfonamide
antibiotics.
* 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.
* Metolazone 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 to monitor your potassium levels.
* Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication,
in order to prevent dizziness.
* 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 increase 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 blood sugar levels 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. Metolazone can cross
the placenta and may cause adverse effects in the 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.