Uses
Metolazone, is used to reduce the swelling and fluid retention caused by heart failure or kidney disease. It also is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Metolazone is in a class of medications called diuretics (‘water pills’). It causes the kidneys to reduce the amount of water and salt in the body by increasing the amount of urine.
Side Effects Of Metolazone
Metolazone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- weakness
- restlessness
- headache
- muscle cramps
- joint pain or swelling
- constipation
- diarrhea
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- dry mouth, dark urine, decreased sweating, dry skin, and other signs of dehydration
- chest pain
- rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeats
- hives
- rash
- itching
- blistering or peeling skin
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- sore throat with fever
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- upset stomach
- extreme tiredness
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- flu-like symptoms
Metolazone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking metolazone:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metolazone, sulfa drugs, thiazides, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in metolazone tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); corticotropin; digoxin (Lanoxin); furosemide (Lasix); insulin or other medications for diabetes; lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for asthma and colds; medications for pain or seizures; methenamine (Hiprex, Urex); other medications for high blood pressure; sedatives; oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone); tranquilizers; and vitamin D. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver failure. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take metolazone.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, a chronic inflammatory condition), or parathyroid, heart, kidney, or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking metolazone, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking metolazone.
- you should know that metolazone may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking metolazone. Alcohol can make the side effects of metolazone worse.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Metolazone may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
- you should know that metolazone may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking metolazone. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
Dosage Of Metolazone
Metolazone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Take metolazone at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metolazone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of metolazone and gradually increase your dose, depending on your response to this medication.
Metolazone controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take metolazone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking metolazone without talking to your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to metolazone.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking metolazone.
Learn the brand name of your medication. Do not switch brands without talking to your doctor or pharmacist, as different brands of metolazone may work differently in the body.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
