Microzide

Microzide

     * Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide capsule
     * Brand Name: Microzide


     * What is hydrochlorothiazide?
     * What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       hydrochlorothiazide?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       hydrochlorothiazide?
     * How should I take hydrochlorothiazide?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide?
     * What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is hydrochlorothiazide?

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

   Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure
   (hypertension).

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

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * eye pain, vision problems;
     * jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth,
       vagina, or rectum);
     * shortness of breath, wheezing, cough with foamy mucus, chest
       pain;
     * signs of electrolyte imbalance--dry mouth, thirst,
       drowsiness, lack of energy, restlessness, muscle pain or
       weakness, fast heart rate, nausea and vomiting, little or
       no urine; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
     * diarrhea, constipation;
     * muscle spasm; or
     * dizziness, headache.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

   You should not use this medicine if you are unable to urinate.

   Microzide Patient Information including How Should I Take
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
hydrochlorothiazide?

   You should not use hydrochlorothiazide if you are allergic to it, or if
   you are unable to urinate.

   To make sure hydrochlorothiazide is safe for you, tell your doctor if
   you have:
     * kidney disease;
     * liver disease;
     * gout;
     * glaucoma;
     * low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood;
     * high levels of calcium in your blood;
     * a parathyroid gland disorder;
     * diabetes; or
     * an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

   Hydrochlorothiazide is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.
   However, if you take this medicine during pregnancy, your newborn baby
   may develop jaundice or other problems. Tell your doctor if you are
   pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking hydrochlorothiazide.

   Hydrochlorothiazide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing
   baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

   Hydrochlorothiazide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18
   years old.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   Hydrochlorothiazide is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's
   dosing instructions very carefully.

   Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you
   are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while
   taking this medicine, which can lead to severely low blood pressure
   or a serious electrolyte imbalance.

   While using hydrochlorothiazide, you may need frequent medical tests
   and blood pressure be checks. Your blood and urine may both be tested
   if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.

   If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are
   using hydrochlorothiazide. You may need to stop using the medicine for
   a short time.

   Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood
   pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure
   medicine for the rest of your life.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and freezing. Keep
   the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

   Microzide Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose symptoms may include nausea, weakness, dizziness, dry mouth,
   thirst, and muscle pain or weakness.

What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide?

   Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

   Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot
   weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. 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.

What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide?

   Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you light-headed can
   worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill,
   narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety,
   depression, or seizures.

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * cholestyramine, colestipol;
     * insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
     * lithium;
     * other blood pressure medications;
     * steroid medicine; or
     * NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen
       (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib,
       diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with
   hydrochlorothiazide, including prescription and over-the-counter
   medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions
   are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydrochlorothiazide.
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