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Moduretic |
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What is Moduretic and why is it prescribed? Moduretic is a diuretic combination used in the treatment of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, conditions which require the elimination of excess fluid from the body. When used for high blood pressure, Moduretic can be used alone or with other high blood pressure medications. Diuretics help your body produce and eliminate more urine, which helps lower blood pressure. Amiloride, one of the ingredients, helps minimize the potassium loss that can be caused by the other component, hydrochlorothiazide. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Moduretic regularly for it to be effective. Moduretic does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Moduretic? Follow your doctors directions for taking Moduretic. Take this medication with food. Take Moduretic exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Stopping Moduretic suddenly could cause your condition to worsen. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next does, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take a double dose. Store Moduretic at room temperature. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and protected from moisture, light, and freezing. Are there any Moduretic side effects? Moduretic side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Moduretic side effects may include diarrhea, dizziness, elevated potassium levels, fatigue, headache, irregular heartbeat, itching, leg pain, loss of appetite, nausea, rash, shortness of breath, stomach and intestinal pain, and weakness. Less common or rare Moduretic side effects may include anemia, appetite changes, back pain, bad taste, breast development in males, changes in liver function, changes in potassium levels leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or cramps, chest pain, constipation, cough, decreased sex drive, dehydration, depression, dermatitis, dizziness on standing up, dry mouth, excessive perspiration, excessive urination at night, fainting, fever, fluid in lungs, flushing, frequent urination, fullness in abdomen, gas, gout, hair loss, heartburn, hiccups, hives, impotence, incontinence, indigestion, insomnia, itching, joint pain, mental confusion, muscle cramps, nasal congestion, neck and shoulder ache, nervousness, numbness, painful or difficult urination, rapid heartbeat, ringing in ears, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, stomach and intestinal bleeding, stupor, sugar in blood or urine, thirst, tingling or pins and needles, tremors, vague feeling of bodily discomfort, vertigo, vision changes, vomiting, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Moduretic? If Moduretic 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. Moduretic may increase the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Moduretic with ACE inhibitors (such as Vasotec), Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), Cholestyramine (Questran), Colestipol (Colestid), Corticosteroids (such as prednisone), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Insulin, Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Muscle relaxants (such as tubocurarine), Narcotics (such as Percocet), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (drugs such as Naprosyn), Norepinephrine (Levophed), Oral drugs for treating diabetes (such as Micronase, DiaBeta), Other high blood pressure medications, or Tacrolimus (Prograf). Are there any special warnings about Moduretic? Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, and other diuretics (such as Dyazide) that minimize loss of potassium should not be used while you are taking moduretic unless your doctor specifically says otherwise. You should also limit your consumption of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, prunes, raisins, orange juice, and whole and skim milk. Ask your doctor for advice on how much of these foods to consume. If you are taking Moduretic, a complete assessment of your kidney function should be done; kidney function should continue to be monitored. If you are taking an ACE-inhibitor type of blood pressure medication such as Vasotec, this drug should be used with extreme caution. If you have liver disease, diabetes, gout, or collagen vascular disease (lupus erythematosus), Moduretic should be used with caution. If you have bronchial asthma or a history of allergies, you may be at risk for an allergic reaction to this medication. 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 Moduretic if you have a medical emergency or before you have surgery. |
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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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