$Unique_ID{BRK01845}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{BENDROFLUMETHIAZIDE}
$Subject{Naturetin (Princeton)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


BENDROFLUMETHIAZIDE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Naturetin (Princeton)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     bendroflumethiazide
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     Bendroflumethiazide is prescribed to treat high blood pressure.  It is
also used to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such
as heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term
use of some medications.  This medication reduces fluid accumulation by
increasing the elimination of salt and water through the kidneys.

TREATMENT

     To decrease stomach irritation, you can take this medication with a glass
of milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).  Try
to take it at the same time every day.  Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 P.M.;
otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.
     This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you continue to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache,
heartburn, loss of appetite, restlessness, or upset stomach.  As your body
adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads) and exercise more
(unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision, confusion, difficulty in breathing, dry mouth, excessive
thirst, excessive weakness, fever, itching, joint pain, mood changes, muscle
pain or spasms, nausea, palpitations, skin rash, sore throat, tingling in the
fingers or toes, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, or yellowing of the
eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS
     This drug interacts with several other drugs:
     1. It may decrease the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants, antigout
medications, insulin, oral antidiabetic medicines, and methenamine.
     2. Fenfluramine can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
bendroflumethiazide (which can be dangerous).
     3. Indomethacin can decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
bendroflumethiazide, thereby counteracting the desired effects.
     4. Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease the absorption of this
medication from the gastrointestinal tract.  Bendroflumethiazide should,
therefore, be taken one hour before or four hours after a dose of
cholestyramine or colestipol (if you have also been prescribed one of these
medications).
     5. The side effects of amphotericin B, calcium, cortisone-like steroids
(such as cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and
prednisolone), digoxin, digitalis, lithium, quinidine, sulfonamide
antibiotics, and vitamin D may be increased by bendroflumethiazide.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to diuretics or any other sulfa drugs, including
oral antidiabetic medications or sulfonamide antibiotics.
     * Before you start taking bendroflumethiazide, tell your doctor if you
now have or if you have ever had kidney disease or problems with urination,
diabetes mellitus, gout, liver disease, asthma, pancreatic disease, or
systemic lupus erythematosus.
     * Bendroflumethiazide can cause potassium loss.  Signs of potassium loss
include dry mouth, thirst, weakness, muscle pain or cramps, nausea, and
vomiting.  If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor.  To help
avoid potassium loss, take this drug with a glass of fresh or frozen orange
juice or cranberry juice, or eat a banana every day.  The use of a salt
substitute also helps to prevent potassium loss.  Do not change your diet or
use a salt substitute, however, before discussing it with your doctor.  Too
much potassium can also be dangerous.  Your doctor may want you to have blood
tests performed periodically in order to monitor your potassium levels.
     * Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication,
in order to prevent dizziness and light-headedness.  If you have high blood
pressure, do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for
weight control or for allergy, asthma, cough, cold, or sinus problems unless
your doctor directs you to do so.
     * To prevent dehydration (severe water loss) while taking this
medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe
or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.  This medication can raise blood
sugar in diabetic patients.  Therefore, blood sugar levels should be carefully
monitored by blood or urine tests when this medication is being taken.
     * This product contains the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5
(tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions (rash, fainting,
difficulty in breathing) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Bendroflumethiazide
can cross the placenta and may cause adverse effects in the developing fetus.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Although problems
in humans have not been reported, small amounts of this drug can pass into
breast milk, so caution is warranted.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
