Zaroxolyn

Metolazone Drug Information

• Zaroxolyn Overview

  Metolazone is a "water pill" (diuretic) that increases the amount of urine you make, which causes your body to get rid of excess water. Zaroxolyn is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Zaroxolyn also reduces swelling/fluid retention (edema) which can result from conditions such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease. This can help to improve symptoms such as trouble breathing.

• How to Use Zaroxolyn

  Take Zaroxolyn by mouth with or without food, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor. The Dosage of Zaroxolyn is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you take Zaroxolyn too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. Therefore, it is best to take Zaroxolyn at least 4 hours before your bedtime. Use Zaroxolyn regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Zaroxolyn at the same time each day as directed. It is important to continue taking Zaroxolyn even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking Zaroxolyn without consulting your doctor. It may take up to 3-6 weeks to see a lowering of your blood pressure. Cholestyramine and colestipol can decrease the absorption of metolazone. If you are taking either of these drugs, separate metolazone from cholestyramine by at least 4 hours and from colestipol by at least 2 hours. If your condition persists or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

• Zaroxolyn Precautions

  Before taking metolazone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Zaroxolyn may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Zaroxolyn should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine,severe kidney disease (inability to make urine or anuria). Before using Zaroxolyn, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease, liver disease, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., sodium, potassium), gout, lupus. If you have diabetes, metolazone may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. Zaroxolyn may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet. A potassium supplement may be prescribed by your doctor. Zaroxolyn may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Zaroxolyn. Zaroxolyn may make you dizzy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using Zaroxolyn in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness. Metolazone should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Zaroxolyn passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Zaroxolyn Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Zaroxolyn, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Zaroxolyn Interactions

  Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. See also the How to Use section.cisapride. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting metolazone. Before using Zaroxolyn, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use,cholestyramine, colestipol, diazoxide, digoxin, dofetilide, lithium. Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your swelling. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen). Zaroxolyn can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., parathyroid function tests). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Zaroxolyn. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Zaroxolyn, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

• Zaroxolyn Side Effects

  What are Zaroxolyn side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Zaroxolyn may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Zaroxolyn as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Zaroxolyn

  The side effects of Zaroxolyn may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Zaroxolyn. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Zaroxolyn may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Zaroxolyn, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Zaroxolyn.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Zaroxolyn, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Zaroxolyn and the side effects associated with Zaroxolyn are described in the following:

  Common Zaroxolyn Side Effects

  Severe

  • hyponatremia
  • hypochloremic alkalosis
  • hypokalemia
  • hypotension

  Less Severe

  Less Frequent Zaroxolyn Side Effects

  Severe

  • hypomagnesemia
  • hyperglycemia
  • kidney disease with reduction in GFR

  Less Severe

  • abnormal sexual function
  • orthostatic hypotension
  • anorexia
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • fatigue
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • dizziness

  Rare or Very Rare Zaroxolyn Side Effects

  Severe

  • gout
  • hypercalcemia
  • hyperparathyroidism
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • agranulocytosis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • hepatitis
  • acute pancreatitis
  • interstitial nephritis
  • squamous cell carcinoma of skin
  • obstructive hyperbilirubinemia
  • systemic lupus erythematosus
  • erythema multiforme
  • hyperuricemia
  • leukopenia
  • purpura
  • exfoliative dermatitis
  • hypersensitivity angiitis
  • hemolytic anemia
  • aplastic anemia
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • myopia
  • secondary angle-closure glaucoma
  • anaphylaxis
  • interstitial pneumonitis
  • jaundice
  • vasculitis
  • neutropenic disorder

  Less Severe

  • hypercholesterolemia
  • urticaria
  • skin rash
  • constipation
  • vertigo
  • paresthesia
  • headache disorder
  • xanthopsia
  • fever
  • sialoadenitis
  • muscle spasm
  • general weakness
  • blurred vision
  • gastrointestinal irritation
  • erectile dysfunction
  • hypertriglyceridemia
  • basal cell carcinoma of skin
  • nervousness

• Zaroxolyn Storage

  Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Zaroxolyn when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.