| Spironolactone & Hydrochlorothiazide
What Is It
Used For?
The combination of spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide, a 'water
pill,' is used to treat high blood pressure and
fluid retention caused by various conditions, including heart disease.
It causes the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and salt from
the body into the urine.
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more information.
How Is It
Used?
The combination of spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide
comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day
in the morning with food. Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Take spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more
often than prescribed by your doctor.
This medication controls high blood pressure but does not cure it.
Continue to take spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide even if
you feel well. Do not stop taking spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide
without talking to your doctor.
What special
precautions should I follow?
Before taking spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide:
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or any other
drugs.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription
and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin;
captopril (Capoten); digoxin (Lanoxin); enalapril (Vasotec); lisinopril
(Prinivil, Zestril); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications
for arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure; potassium supplements;
and vitamins. Do not take this medicine if you are taking amiloride
or triamterene.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes,
gout, or 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 spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide, call your doctor.
- If you are having surgery, including dental surgery,
tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking spironolactone
and hydrochlorothiazide.
- You should know that this drug may make you drowsy.
Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this
drug affects you.
- Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness
caused by this drug.
Are There Possible Side
Effects?
Although side effects from spironolactone and
hydrochlorothiazide are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor
if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- Upset Stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of Appetite
- Stomach Pain
- Gas
- Frequent Urination
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Enlarged or Painful Breasts
- Irregular Menstrual Periods
- Drowsiness
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call
your doctor immediately:
- Muscle Weakness or Cramps
- Rapid, Excessive Weight Loss
- Fatigue
- Slow or Irregular Heartbeat
- Sore Throat
- Unusual Bruising or Bleeding
- Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes
- Skin Rash
- Vomiting Blood
- Fever
- Confusion
What special
dietary instructions should I follow?
Follow your doctor's directions for a low-salt
or low-sodium diet and daily exercise program. Avoid potassium-containing
salt substitutes. Limit your intake of potassium-rich foods (e.g.,
bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice). Ask your doctor for
advice on how much of these foods you may have.
What If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
How Should It Be Stored?
Keep this medicine in the container it came in,
tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw
away any medicine that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to
your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medicine.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control
center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not
breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Anything Else I Should
Know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the
laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly, and
blood tests should be done occasionally.
Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription. NOTE: The above 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 the use of the product
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before taking the product.
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