$Unique_ID{BRK01846}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{BENZTHIAZIDE}
$Subject{benzthiazide (various manufacturers)
Exna (Robins)
Hydrex (Trimen)
Marazide (Vortech)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


BENZTHIAZIDE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     benzthiazide (various manufacturers)
     Exna (Robins)
     Hydrex (Trimen)
     Marazide (Vortech)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     benzthiazide
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (50 mg)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     Benzthiazide 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 sodium 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 next 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.  These side
effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     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 cereals and breads) and
exercise (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

     Benzthiazide 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
benzthiazide, which can be dangerous.
     3. Indomethacin can decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
benzthiazide, thereby counteracting the desired effects.
     4. Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease the absorption of this
medication from the gastrointestinal tract.  Benzthiazide 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 benzthiazide.
     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 benzthiazide, 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.
     * Benzthiazide 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 take 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.
     * 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.
     * Some of these products contain the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5
(tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions (wheezing, rash,
fainting, difficulty in breathing) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Benzthiazide 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.
