Zaroxolyn

The active ingredient in Zaroxolyn is metolazone, which is a thiazide-like diuretic. It helps your kidneys eliminate excess fluid from your body, which reduces blood pressure and swelling.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Zaroxolyn. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Zaroxolyn:

• Typically, Zaroxolyn is only used once daily.
• While taking this medication, you might need to cut back on salt in your diet. Pay close attention to your doctor's recommendations.
• Blood tests may be required often when using Zaroxolyn. If you have been vomiting or are dehydrated, tests may be performed on both your blood and urine.
• Inform the surgeon that you are taking Zaroxolyn in advance if you require surgery. For a brief while, you might need to stop taking the medication.
• Even if you feel better, continue taking this medication if you are receiving treatment for high blood pressure. Symptoms of high blood pressure are frequently absent. For the rest of your life, you might need to take blood pressure medication.

The most common side effects of Zaroxolyn seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Muscle cramps.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Drowsiness.
• Constipation.
• Dry mouth.
• Hyperuricemia (high uric acid in the blood).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Zaroxolyn. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Breathing problems, skin rash or hives, and swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or neck are examples of allergic reactions.
• Fever, chills, body pains, coughing, itching, blistering or peeling skin, and a severe rash are all signs of a serious skin reaction.
• Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration manifest as weakness, cramping or muscle pains, lightheadedness, increased thirst, rapid heartbeat, or nausea.
• Fatigue, disorientation, ankle or foot edema, or little to no urination are signs of kidney dysfunction.
• Liver problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, or pale stools.
• Increased blood sugar levels.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Zaroxolyn. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Zaroxolyn, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Severe liver disease.
• Unable to urinate.
• Heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats or congestive heart failure.
• An allergy to sulfa medications.
• Kidney disease.
• Low sodium levels (hyponatremia).
• Low potassium levels (hypokalemia).
• Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia).
• High calcium levels (hypercalcemia).
• Diabetes.
• Gout.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus.

• Not urinating at all (anuria).
• Hepatic coma.

Metolazone can cause you to urinate within an hour. Make sure you have access to a bathroom after taking this prescription. This effect can persist for 24 hours or longer, depending on the amount of metolazone.

When Zaroxolyn is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Other blood pressure medications.
• Digoxin, digitalis.
• Furosemide or other diuretics (water pills).
• Insulin or oral diabetes medicine.
• Lithium.
• Methenamine.
• Vitamin D (at high doses).
• Blood thinners - warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
• Salicylates - aspirin, Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others.
• Steroid medicines - prednisone and others.

Edema: The average initial dose varies from one 5 mg to 20 mg metolazone tablet orally once daily. Your doctor may alter your dose as needed based on your symptoms and lab results.

High blood pressure: The typical starting dose is 2.5 to 5 mg orally once daily. Your doctor may alter your dose every few days or weeks, depending on your blood pressure level.

Store your medication at room temperature and out of reach of children.

The company that manufactures Zaroxolyn is Bayshore Pharmaceuticals.

There are several generic versions available as well, and metolazone is also marketed under the brand names Zytanix, Metoz, Zaroxolyn, and Mykrox.

If you abruptly discontinue metolazone treatment for high blood pressure, you may develop a rebound in high blood pressure. If you want to stop, it is best that you speak to your healthcare provider to avoid life-threatening reactions.

Using Zaroxolyn during pregnancy could cause side effects in the newborn baby, such as blood cell problems or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while using Zaroxolyn.

Metolazone can enter breast milk and possibly endanger your nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medication.