Zaroxolyn

 
Generic Name: metolazone

Brands: Mykrox, Zaroxolyn

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What is the most important information I should know about Zaroxolyn?

· To reduce nighttime urination, take Zaroxolyn early in the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

· Do not change the brand or generic formulation of Zaroxolyn that you are taking without first talking to your doctor.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zaroxolyn may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

 

What is Zaroxolyn?

· Zaroxolyn is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It decreases the amount of fluid in the body by increasing the amount of salt and water lost in the urine.

· Zaroxolyn is used to lower blood pressure and to decrease edema (swelling).

· Zaroxolyn may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Zaroxolyn?

· Do not take Zaroxolyn without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics. You may have an allergic reaction to Zaroxolyn.

· Before taking Zaroxolyn, tell your doctor if you have     ·diabetes,     ·gout,     ·a collagen vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus,     ·pancreatitis,     ·kidney disease,     ·liver disease, or     ·high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat) in your blood.

· You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Zaroxolyn is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· Zaroxolyn passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Zaroxolyn without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Zaroxolyn?

· Take Zaroxolyn exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· To reduce nighttime urination, take Zaroxolyn early in the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

· It is important to take Zaroxolyn regularly to get the most benefit.

· Do not stop taking Zaroxolyn suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could make your condition worse.

· Do not change the brand or generic formulation of Zaroxolyn that you are taking without first talking to your doctor.

· Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose however, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Zaroxolyn overdose include increased urination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, lethargy, and unconsciousness.

 

What should I avoid while taking Zaroxolyn?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zaroxolyn may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase the side effects of Zaroxolyn.

· Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt may cause the body to retain water and may decrease the effects of Zaroxolyn.

· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Zaroxolyn may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

· Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously dehydrated while taking Zaroxolyn.

 

What are the possible side effects of Zaroxolyn?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zaroxolyn and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·unusual fatigue;     ·abnormal bleeding or bruising;     ·yellow skin or eyes;     ·confusion;     ·irregular heartbeats or a fluttering feeling in the chest; or     ·little or no urine.

· Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take Zaroxolyn and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·dizziness, especially when you switch to sitting or standing from a lying position;     ·tingling or numbness in the arms, legs, hands, or feet;     ·excessive urination;     ·muscle weakness or cramps;     ·increased hunger or thirst;     ·nausea or decreased appetite;     ·abdominal pain;     ·sensitivity to sunlight; or     ·impotence.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Zaroxolyn?

· Before taking Zaroxolyn tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:     ·lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others);     ·digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);     ·the cholesterol-lowering drugs cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);     ·a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), fenoprofen (Nalfon), ketorolac (Toradol), or flurbiprofen (Ansaid);     ·a diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolazamide (Tolinase), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others; or     ·a steroid medicine such as cortisone (Cortone), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol), hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone), prednisone (Orasone, Deltasone), prednisolone (Delta Cortef, Prelone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and others.

· You may not be able to take Zaroxolyn, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medications listed above.

· Also, before taking a Zaroxolyn, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicine to treat high blood pressure, water retention, heart problems, prostate problems, or another condition. Some medicines used to treat these conditions may interact with Zaroxolyn and the effects on your heart may be increased.

· Zaroxolyn may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, seizure medicines, antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Zaroxolyn or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Zaroxolyn written for health professionals that you may read.

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