|
|
|
Chlorothiazide |
|
|
What is Chlorothiazide and why is it prescribed? Chlorothiazide is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and other conditions that require the elimination of excess fluid from the body. These conditions include congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, corticosteroid and estrogen therapy, and kidney disease. When used for high blood pressure, Chlorothiazide can be used alone or with other high blood pressure medications. Chlorothiazide contains a form of thiazide, a diuretic that prompts your body to eliminate more fluid, which helps lower blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Chlorothiazide regularly for it to be effective. Chlorothiazide does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Chlorothiazide? Follow your doctors directions for taking Chlorothiazide. Stopping Chlorothiazide suddenly could cause your condition to worsen. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Chlorothiazide at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture and freezing. Are there any Chlorothiazide side effects? Chlorothiazide side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Chlorothiazide side effects may include abdominal cramps, anemia, changes in blood sugar, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, dizziness on standing up, fever, fluid in lungs, hair loss, headache, high levels of sugar in urine, hives, hypersensitivity reactions, impotence, inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the salivary glands, light-headedness, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, low potassium (leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or cramps), lung inflammation, muscle spasms, nausea, rash, reddish or purplish spots on skin, restlessness, sensitivity to light, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, stomach irritation, stomach upset, tingling or pins and needles, vertigo, vision changes, vomiting, weakness, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Chlorothiazide? If Chlorothiazide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Chlorothiazide may increase the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Chlorothiazide with the following Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital and Seconal), Cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as Questran and Colestid), Drugs to treat diabetes (such as insulin and Micronase), Lithium (Lithonate), Narcotic painkillers (such as Percocet), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Naprosyn and Motrin), Norepinephrine (Levophed), Other drugs for high blood pressure (such as Capoten and Procardia XL), or Steroids (such as prednisone). Are there any special warnings about Chlorothiazide? Diuretics can cause your body to lose too much potassium. Signs of an excessively low potassium level include muscle weakness and rapid or irregular heartbeat. To boost your potassium level, your doctor may recommend eating potassium-rich foods or taking a potassium supplement. If you are taking Chlorothiazide, your doctor will do a complete assessment of your kidney function and continue to monitor it. Use with caution if you have severe kidney disease. If you have liver disease, diabetes, gout, or the connective tissue disease lupus erythematosus, your doctor will prescribe Chlorothiazide cautiously. If you have bronchial asthma or a history of allergies you may be at greater risk for an allergic reaction to Chlorothiazide. Dehydration, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could deplete your body's fluids and lower your blood pressure too much. Be careful when exercising and in hot weather. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Chlorothiazide if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
