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Metolazone |
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What is Metolazone and why is it prescribed? Metolazone is a diuretic 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 and kidney disease. When used for high blood pressure, Metolazone can be used alone or with other high blood pressure medications. Diuretics prompt your body to produce and eliminate more urine, which helps lower blood pressure. Metolazone is also occasionally prescribed for kidney stones. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Metolazone regularly for it to be effective. Metolazone does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Metolazone? Follow your doctors directions for taking Metolazone. Stopping Metolazone 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 the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Metolazone at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. Are there any Metolazone side effects? Metolazone side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Metolazone side effects may include anemia, bloating of the abdomen, blisters in the mouth and eyes, blood clots, blurred vision, chest pain, chills, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness on standing up, dizziness or light-headedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive bleeding, fainting, fatigue, gout, headache, hepatitis, high blood sugar, hives, impotence, inflammation of the skin, inflammation of the pancreas, joint pain, loss of appetite, low potassium levels (leading to dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, or muscle pain or cramps), muscle spasms or cramps, nausea, rapid, pounding heartbeat, rash, reddish or purplish spots on the skin, restlessness, sensitivity to light, severe skin peeling, sugar in the urine, tingling or pins and needles, upset stomach, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Metolazone? If Metolazone 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. Metolazone may intensify the effects of alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Metolazone with ACTH, Antidiabetic drugs (such as Micronase), Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), Corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone), Digitalis glycosides (such as Lanoxin), Insulin, Lithium (Lithonate), Loop diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix), Methenamine (Mandelamine), Narcotics (such as Percocet), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (such as Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn), Norepinephrine (Levophed), Other high blood pressure medications (such as Aldomet), or Tubocurarine. Are there any special warnings about Metolazone? 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 Metolazone, your doctor will do a complete assessment of your kidney function and continue to monitor it. Do not interchange Metolazone and other formulations of Metolazone such as Mykrox. The brands vary in potency of action. If you have liver disease, diabetes, gout, or lupus erythematosus, Metolazone should be used with caution. If you have had an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs, thiazides, or quinethazone, you may be at greater risk for an allergic reaction to this medication. You can have an allergic reaction to Metolazone even if you have never had allergies or asthma. Dehydration, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could deplete your fluids and cause your blood pressure to become too low. Be careful when exercising and in hot weather. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Metolazone if you have a medical emergency and before you have surgery or dental treatment. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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