Microzide

Microzide

Microzide is used for:

Treating high blood pressure. It is also used to treat fluid buildup in the body caused by certain conditions (eg, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney problems) or medicines (eg, corticosteroids, estrogen). It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Microzide is a thiazide diuretic. It helps the kidneys to remove fluid from the body.

Do NOT use Microzide if:

• you are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in Microzide
• you are unable to urinate
• you are taking dofetilide or ketanserin

Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if any of the above applies to you.

Consider before using Microzide

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions may interact with Microzide . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the medical conditions below applies to you:

• if you are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• if you are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any medicine (either prescription or nonprescription), herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are allergic to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction (eg, rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) to a sulfonamide medicine (eg, sulfamethoxazole)
• if you have gout, liver problems, (eg, cirrhosis), lupus, kidney problems, diabetes, asthma, parathyroid gland problems, or high blood cholesterol or lipid levels
• if you have high or low blood electrolyte levels (eg, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium)
• if you are taking another medicine for high blood pressure

Drugs Interaction

There are medicines that may interact with Microzide . Inform your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, in particular any from the list below:

• Digoxin, dofetilide, or ketanserin because the risk of irregular heartbeat may be increased
• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), corticotropin, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), or narcotic pain medicines (eg, codeine) because they may increase the risk of Microzide 's side effects
• Cholestyramine, colestipol, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because they may decrease Microzide 's effectiveness
• Diazoxide or lithium because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Microzide
• Diabetes medicines (eg, glipizide, metformin) or insulin because their effectiveness may be decreased by Microzide

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Clarify with your health care provider whether Microzide may interact with other medicines you take. Also, consult your health care provider in advance if you are going to start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Microzide Usage Guidelines

You should use Microzide as recommended by your doctor. Read the medicine's label for precise dosing instructions.

• Take Microzide by mouth with or without food.
• Microzide may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.
• If you miss a dose of Microzide , take it as soon as you get it remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, ignore the missed one and get back to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Clarify with your health care provider any issues you may have about usage of Microzide .

Important safety information on microzide

• Microzide may cause dizziness or blurred vision. There effects may be worsened when this medicine is taken with aclohol or other medicines. Use Microzide with caution. Refrain from driving or performing other possibly dangerous activities until you know how you react to it.
• Microzide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement for you. If so, take the potassium supplement exactly as prescribed. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Microzide before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to high temperatures. The risk of certain side effects (eg, low blood sodium levels) may be increased in hot weather.
• Microzide may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Microzide . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
• Microzide may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
• Diabetes patients - Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Microzide may interfere with certain lab tests, including parathyroid function tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Microzide .
• Lab tests, including kidney function, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels, may be performed while you use Microzide . These tests can be used to monitor your medical condition or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Microzide with caution in OLDER PATIENTS, because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Microzide may cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Microzide while you are pregnant. Microzide is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Microzide , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Side effects may be caused by Microzide

Any medicine may cause side effects, but the majority of people have either slight side effects, or dont have it at all. Consult your doctor if any of the most COMMON side effects from the list below persist or start bothering you:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; lightheadedness (especially when sitting up or standing); loss of appetite; nausea; temporary blurred vision.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; dark urine; decreased urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; increased thirst; joint pain, swelling, warmth, or redness (especially of the big toe joint); mental or mood changes; muscle pain or cramps; numbness or tingling; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness; severe or persistent nausea or stomach pain; shortness of breath; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual drowsiness, restlessness, tiredness, or weakness; unusually dry mouth; vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

It sholud be noted, that this is not a full list of possible side effects. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include muscle cramps; severe dizziness; very dry mouth; weak or irregular heartbeat.

Microzide storage instructions:

Store Microzide at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Microzide out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions on Microzide , please consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
• Microzide is supposed to be used only by the patient it is prescribed to. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or even become worse, inform your doctor.

This article is a summary only, and it does not provide all the information about Microzide . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

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