Generic Microzide, capsules
Chemical Name: HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE
Common uses
This medicine is a thiazide diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and swelling due to excess body water. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Do not take this medicine if you are also taking dofetilide. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking diazoxide, digoxin, or lithium. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine will increase urination. If you are taking 1 dose of this medicine daily, take it in the morning to prevent this from affecting your sleep. If you are taking more than 1 dose daily, take the last dose no later than 6 pm. Store this medicine at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
If you have had a severe allergic reaction to this medicine or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as septra DS, bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor may have also prescribed a potassium supplement for you. If so, follow the dosing carefully. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Before you begin taking any new medicine either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
For women: this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness or lightheadedness especially when sitting up or standing, nausea, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience rash or itching, muscle pain or cramps, vomiting, restlessness, dry mouth, unusual thirst, unusual tiredness or weakness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or drowsiness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dry mouth; excessive urination followed by a decrease in amount of urine; muscle cramps; and weak or irregular heartbeat, especially if you are also taking digoxin.
Additional information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.