Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: METHYCLOTHIAZIDE (meth-ee-kloe-THYE-a-zide)
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.
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. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking cholestyramine, colestipol, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), diazoxide, digoxin, lithium, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen, celecoxib). DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. 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.
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.
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. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. 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. 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. 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. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while you are taking this medicine include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience a decrease in the amount of urine produced, decreased sexual ability, dry mouth, loss of appetite, muscle pain or cramps, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, restlessness, sore throat or fever, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision changes, or vomiting. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience symptoms of hyperglycemia (such as unusual thirst, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor); fast or irregular heartbeat; reddened, blistered or swollen skin; seizures; severe dizziness; lightheadedness; fainting; severe stomach pain or back pain; persistent or severe nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; unusual bruising or bleeding; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
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.
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.