Metolazone

Metolazone

GENERIC NAME: METOLAZONE - ORAL (me-TOLE-a-zone)
BRAND NAME(S): Zaroxolyn

One of the old fashion but quite effective diuretics in the treatment of generalized edema is a medicine called metolazone. Presently, after experiencing severe lymphatic failure with bi-lateral lung edema, a history of lymphoma and contending with hereditary lymphedema radiology tests indicate almost no lymphatic flow through the thoracic duct or through the right side lymphatic drainage fields. Clearly, it is a matter of life for me to be able to somehow get rid of the massive amounts of fluid that is collecting in my body.


I must add however, that unless there is a life threatening co-morbidity, lymphedema patients should not be treated with diuretics.

Very recently, my doctor put me on metolazone with incredible results.

What is metolazone?

Metolazone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Metolazone treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Metolazone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about metolazone?

Do not use this medication if you are unable to urinate, or if you have severe liver disease.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, allergies, gout, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of metolazone.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

There are many other medicines that can interact with metolazone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking metolazone?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metolazone, or if you have:
severe liver disease; or if you are unable to urinate.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before using metolazone, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease;
liver disease;
gout;
diabetes; or

an allergy to sulfa drugs.FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Metolazone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take metolazone?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Your blood and urine may both be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking metolazone. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.Store the tablets at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, thirst, muscle pain or weakness, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking metolazone?

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of metolazone.

Avoid using other medicines that make you light-headed (narcotic pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures). They can add to the side effects of metolazone. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other blood pressure medications.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.


Drugs.com

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It is best to take this medication early in the day, before 4-6PM, to prevent having to wake up during the night to urinate. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day as directed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. It may take up to 3-6 weeks to see a lowering of your blood pressure. Cholestyramine and colestipol can decrease the absorption of metolazone. If you are taking either of these drugs, separate metolazone from cholestyramine by at least 4 hours and from colestipol by at least 2 hours. Different brands of metolazone may not be equal. Do not switch to another brand without your doctor's approval. If your condition persists or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred vision, loss of appetite, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication may lead to excessive loss of body water and minerals (including potassium). Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss: muscle cramps or weakness, confusion, severe dizziness, unusual dry mouth or thirst, nausea or vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, fainting, seizures. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, decreased sexual ability, chest pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat or fever, easy bleeding or bruising, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing of eyes/skin. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking metolazone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to sulfa medications; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease (inability to make urine or anuria). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., sodium, potassium), gout, lupus. If you have diabetes, metolazone may worsen control of blood glucose levels. Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and inform your doctor of the results. This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet. A potassium supplement may be prescribed by your doctor. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. This drug may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness. Metolazone should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also the How to Use section. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: cisapride. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting metolazone. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: cholestyramine, colestipol, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), diazoxide, digoxin, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, indomethacin). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., parathyroid function tests). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

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