$Unique_ID{BRK02172}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{TRICHLORMETHIAZIDE}
$Subject{Diurese (American Urologicals)
Metahydrin (Merrell Dow)
Naqua (Schering)
Niazide (Major)
Trichlorex (Lannett)
trichlormethiazide (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


TRICHLORMETHIAZIDE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Diurese (American Urologicals)
     Metahydrin (Merrell Dow)
     Naqua (Schering)
     Niazide (Major)
     Trichlorex (Lannett)
     trichlormethiazide (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     trichlormethiazide
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (2 mg and 4 mg)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES:
     Trichlormethiazide 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, and kidney disease and by 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 will help control
the condition as long as you continue to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache,
heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, 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 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, vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Trichlormethiazide interacts with 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
trichlormethiazide (which can be dangerous).
     3. Indomethacin can decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
trichlormethiazide, thereby counteracting the desired effects.
     4. Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease the absorption of this
medication from the gastrointestinal tract.  Trichlormethiazide should,
therefore, be taken one hour before or four hours after a dose of
cholestyramine or colestipol if one of these medications has also been
prescribed.
     5. Trichlormethiazide may increase the side effects of amphotericin B,
calcium, cortisone and cortisone-like steroids (such as dexamethasone,
hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone), digoxin, digitalis, lithium,
quinidine, sulfonamide antibiotics, and vitamin D.
     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 trichlormethiazide or to other sulfa drugs,
including other diuretics, oral antidiabetic medications, and sulfonamide
antibiotics.
     * Before you start taking trichlormethiazide, 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.
     * Trichlormethiazide 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 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, 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 prevent dizziness and light-headedness, limit your intake
of alcoholic beverages while taking this drug.
     * Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for
weight control or for allergy, asthma, cough, cold, or sinus problems unless
directed to do so by your doctor.
     * 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 levels in diabetic patients.
Therefore, blood sugar should be carefully monitored with 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.
     * The elderly may be more likely to experience dizziness,
light-headedness, and too much potassium loss as a result of therapy with this
drug.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This drug is able to
cross the placenta.  Safety in human pregnancy has not been established.
Adverse effects have been observed in the fetuses of animals that received
large doses of this type of drug during pregnancy.  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.
