Metolazone

= Prescription Required = Generic Equvalent
Zaroxolyn
2.5mg Tablets
Metolazone

Metolazone Prescription Drug Information

Metolazone (By mouth)
Metolazone (me-TOL-a-zone)

Treats high blood pressure and fluid retention (edema). Metolazone is a diuretic ("water pill").

Brand Name(s):Zaroxolyn
There may be other brand names for Metolazone.

When Metolazone Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Metolazone if you have had an allergic reaction to metolazone, sulfa drugs (such as sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine, sulfisoxazole, Azulfidine®, Bactrim®, Gantrisin®, or Septra®), or other diuretics ("water pills"). You should not use Metolazone if you are not able to form urine (anuria) or have severe liver disease.

How to Use Metolazone:
Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of Metolazone to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Use only the brand of Metolazone that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.
  • Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. You may need to eat foods that are high in potassium (such as oranges or bananas) to prevent potassium loss while you are using Metolazone.

If a dose of Metolazone is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of Metolazone:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Metolazone:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using digoxin (Lanoxin®), other medicine for high blood pressure (such as atenolol, bepridil, metoprolol, propranolol, timolol, Vascor®, or Toprol®), or a diuretic or "water pill" (such as amiloride, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, hydrochlorothizide [HCTZ], quinethazone, spironolactone, torsemide, triamterene, Aldactone®, Bumex®, Demadex®, Hydromox®, or Lasix®).
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®), methenamine, norepinephrine, tubocurarine, pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, Advil®, Aleve®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, or Voltaren®), or a steroid medicine (such as cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone, or Medrol®), or low-salt milk. Tell your doctor if you are using insulin, diabetes medicines that you take by mouth (such as glyburide, metformin, Actos®, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, Glucovance®), narcotic pain relievers, phenobarbital, or other sedatives.
  • Ask your doctor before you use potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using Metolazone.

Warnings While Using Metolazone:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, mineral imbalance (high or low calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, or sodium in the blood), or a history of asthma. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, gout, lupus, or severe diarrhea.
  • Metolazone may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Metolazone. You may need to stop using Metolazone several days before having surgery or medical tests.
  • Metolazone may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using Metolazone. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • If you stop using Metolazone, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using Metolazone:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
  • Blood in the urine or stools.
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect).
  • Confusion, weakness, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
  • Fever chills, cough, hoarseness, sore throat, and body aches.
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
  • Problems urinating, pain in side or lower back.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Metolazone, talk with your doctor:

  • Blurred vision, headache.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Mild diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, or stomach upset.
  • Problems having sex.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Metolazone, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

PharmacyChecker Manitoba, Canada, International Pharmacists Association Jan Drugs - Certified HealthPricer Merchant - Comparison Shopping Site for Prescription Drugs Better Business Bureau Online Canada