$Unique_ID{BRK02026}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{METHYCLOTHIAZIDE}
$Subject{Aquatensen (Wallace)
Enduron (Abbott)
Ethon (Major)
methyclothiazide (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


METHYCLOTHIAZIDE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Aquatensen (Wallace)
     Enduron (Abbott)
     Ethon (Major)
     methyclothiazide (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     methyclothiazide
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (2.5 mg and 5 mg)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

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

TREATMENT

     This medication can be taken with a glass of milk or with a meal to
decrease stomach irritation (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, fainting, 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

     Methyclothiazide interacts with several other types of medications:
     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
methyclothiazide (which can be dangerous).
     3. Indomethacin can decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
methyclothiazide, thereby counteracting the desired effects.
     4. Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease the absorption of this
medication from the gastrointestinal tract.  Methyclothiazide should,
therefore, be taken one hour before or four hours after a dose of
cholestyramine or colestipol (if one of those medications has also been
prescribed).
     5. The side effects of amphotericin B, calcium, cortisone and
cortisone-like steroids (such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone,
and prednisolone), digitalis, digoxin, lithium, quinidine, sulfonamide
antibiotics, and vitamin D may be increased by methyclothiazide.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to methyclothiazide or any other sulfa drug,
including other diuretics, oral antidiabetic medications, or sulfonamide
antibiotics.
     * Before you start taking methyclothiazide, 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.
     * Methyclothiazide 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 to have blood
tests performed periodically in order to monitor your potassium levels.
     * In order to avoid dizziness or fainting while taking this medication,
try not to stand for long periods of time; avoid drinking excessive amounts of
alcohol; and try not to get overheated (avoid strenuous exercise in hot
weather and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas).
     * Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for
weight control or for cough, cold, allergy, asthma, or sinus problems, unless
your doctor directs you to do so.  Some of these products can cause an
increase in blood pressure.
     * 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 the blood sugar level in diabetic patients.
Therefore, blood sugar levels should be carefully monitored by blood or urine
tests when this medication is being taken.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Methyclothiazide 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.

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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.
