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The
following information is intended to supplement, not
substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be
construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
Online Microzide /Thiazide Use Indication:
Microzide /Thiazide
or thiazide-like diuretics are commonly used to treat high blood
pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the
heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and
arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of
the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or
kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart
attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is
controlled.
Microzide /Thiazide
medicine may cause you to have an unusual feeling of tiredness when you
begin to take it. You may also notice an increase in the amount of urine
or in your frequency of urination. After you have taken Microzide medicine for
a while, these effects should lessen. In general, to keep the increase
in urine from affecting your sleep:
If you are to take a single dose a day, take it in the morning after
breakfast.
If you are to take more than one dose a day, take the last dose no later
than 6 p.m., unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
However, it is best to plan your dose or doses according to a schedule
that will least affect your personal activities and sleep. Ask your
health care professional to help you plan the best time to take this
medicine.
Take each Microzide /Thiazide dose at the same time each day. Microzide /Thiazide medicine works best if
there is a constant amount in the blood.
For patients taking this medicine for high blood pressure :
In addition to the use of Microzide medicine your doctor has prescribed,
appropriate treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight
control and care in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in
sodium. Your doctor will tell you which factors are most important for
you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.
Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of
the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that
you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your
appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.
Remember that Microzide /Thiazide medicine will not cure your high blood pressure but
it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to take it as
directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.
You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your
life . If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious
problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney
disease.
For patients taking the oral liquid form of hydrochlorothiazide , which
comes in a dropper bottle:
Microzide /Thiazide medicine is to be taken by mouth. The amount you should take is to
be measured only with the specially marked dropper.
Microzide /Thiazide Medication Side Effects:
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may
cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may
occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following Microzide /Thiazide side
effects occur:
Rare
Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; cough or hoarseness;
fever or chills; joint pain; lower back or side pain; painful or
difficult urination ; pinpoint red spots on skin; skin rash or hives;
stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting; unusual bleeding or
bruising; yellow eyes or skin
Signs and symptoms of too much potassium loss
Dryness of mouth; increased thirst; irregular heartbeat; mood or mental
changes; muscle cramps or pain; nausea or vomiting; unusual tiredness or
weakness ; weak pulse
Signs and symptoms of too much sodium loss
Confusion; convulsions; decreased mental activity; irritability ; muscle
cramps; unusual tiredness or weakness
Other Microzide /Thiazide side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.
These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to
the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following
side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common
Decreased sexual ability; diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness when
getting up from a lying or sitting position; increased sensitivity of
skin to sunlight; loss of appetite; upset stomach
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If
you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Precautions on using Microzide /Thiazide Medication
It is important
that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that
this medicine is working properly.
Microzide /Thiazide medicine may cause a loss of potassium from your body:
To help prevent this, your doctor may want you to:
eat or drink foods that have a high potassium content (for example,
orange or other citrus fruit juices), or
take a potassium supplement, or
take another medicine to help prevent the loss of the potassium in the
first place.
It is very important to follow these directions. Also, it is important
not to change your diet on your own. This is more important if you are
already on a special diet (as for diabetes), or if you are taking a
potassium supplement or a medicine to reduce potassium loss. Extra
potassium may not be necessary and, in some cases, too much potassium
could be harmful.
Check with your doctor if you become sick and have severe or continuing
vomiting or diarrhea. These problems may cause you to lose additional
water and potassium.
For diabetic patients:
Microzide /Thiazide diuretics may raise blood sugar levels. While you are using
this medicine, be especially careful in testing for sugar in your blood
or urine.
Microzide /Thiazide diuretics may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight
than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of
time, may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of
the skin, or a severe sunburn. When you begin taking this medicine:
Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m.
and 3:00 p.m., if possible.
Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at
least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number,
especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions
about this, check with your health care professional.
Apply a sun block lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect
your lips.
Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.
If you have a severe reaction from the sun, check with your doctor.
For patients taking this medicine for high blood pressure :
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your
doctor. This especially includes over-the-counter (nonprescription)
medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or
sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.
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