Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

THIAZIDE W/SPIRONOLACTONE - ORAL

(THIGH-uh-zide WITH SPY-row-no-lack-tone)

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.

Drug Interactions

This drug is not recommended for use with: dofetilide. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of: ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril), lithium, digoxin, NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin). If you take colestipol or cholestyramine, take the diuretic 1 hour before or 4 hours after the cholesterol lowering medicine because of decreased absorption. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, weakness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, excessive urination followed by a decrease in amount of urine, muscle cramps, and weak or irregular heartbeat.

Notes

Unlike other diuretics, spironolactone does not cause potassium loss. Do not take potassium supplements while taking this medication unless prescribed by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).