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Chemical Name: METOLAZONE (me-TOLE-a-zone)
This medicine is a thiazide diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and
swelling due to excess body water. It may also be used to treat other conditions
as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM
YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that
you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if
you are taking diazoxide, digoxin, or lithium. Inform your doctor of any other
medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor
or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS
MEDICINE will increase urination. If you are taking 1 dose of this medicine
daily, take it in the morning to prevent this from affecting your sleep. If you
are taking more than 1 dose daily, take the last dose no later than 6 pm. STORE
THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) in a
tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A
DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or any other
sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or
probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A
severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or
dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this
medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or
pharmacist. YOUR DOCTOR MAY HAVE ALSO PRESCRIBED a potassium supplement for you.
If so, follow the dosing carefully. Do not start taking additional potassium on
your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking
with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dizziness. Do not drive, operate
machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you
react to this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the
sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this
medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a
prolonged period. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE either prescription
or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this
medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness or
lightheadedness especially when sitting up or standing, nausea, diarrhea, or
loss of appetite. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience rash or itching,
muscle pain or cramps, vomiting, restlessness, dry mouth, unusual thirst,
unusual tiredness or weakness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or drowsiness. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dry mouth; excessive
urination followed by a decrease in amount of urine; muscle cramps; and weak or
irregular heartbeat, especially if you are also taking digoxin.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT
USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain
refills before your supply runs out.
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