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thiazide w/spironolactone-oral

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GENERIC NAME: THIAZIDE W/SPIRONOLACTONE - ORAL (THIGH-uh-zide WITH SPY-row-no-lack-tone)

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: This medication can raise your body's potassium levels. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems, diabetes, in elderly patients, or if the patient is severely ill. Potassium levels must be closely monitored in people with any of these problems or illnesses. If not treated, high potassium levels can be fatal. If you develop any of the following symptoms, notify your doctor immediately: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat.

USES: This drug is a diuretic or "water pill". It reduces the amount of water and sodium retained by the body. It is used to lower blood pressure and to treat edema (fluid retention).

HOW TO USE: Take this exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or increase the dose without your doctor's approval. Take with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Because this drug may increase urination, avoid taking a dose late in the day.

SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Watch for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or thirst. You may experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, sleeplessness, or nasal congestion the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Because this drug changes your fluid balance, you may feel dizzy if you change from a lying to a standing position too rapidly. Avoid this by sitting up a few minutes before rising. Thiazide-containing diuretics increase sensitivity to sunlight. Notify your doctor if you develop: a skin rash, yellowing of the skin, deepening of the voice, sore throat, weakness, irregular pulse, change in amount of urine, persistent cough. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: gout, diabetes, liver problems. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. You may also be allergic to this medication. Thiazides can make you more prone to sunburn. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Alcohol may further lower your blood pressure. Ask your doctor about its use. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.