Facts on Metolazone
Indications
Metolazone is used to rid the body of excess water that is carried, as well as helps the body keep from absorbing too much salt that can cause the water retention or edema. Patients with heart failure normally retain water, as well as those with nephrotic syndrome, and those with high blood pressure also use this medication.
Dosing Information
Dosage is determined by overall health of a patient, by a physician. This medicine should be taken orally with or without food according to Medicinenet.com. The dosage is based on response to therapy, and should be taken early in the day prior to 4 pm. Taking the dose at the same time daily will help with efficacy, and if taking for high blood pressure, it could take up to 6 weeks to see improvement.
Contraindications
Those with kidney disease, gout, allergies to sulfa drugs, asthma, diabetes or liver disease should avoid metolazone, and those who drink alcoholic beverages daily should also avoid this medication due to the side effects being increased with alcohol use. If you are unable to urinate or have any of these conditions, a dosage adjustment or testing may be required for continued use of the drug. Anyone needing surgery should tell the physician about this medication prior to surgery.
Drug Interactions
Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease the absorption of metolazone, so if taking concurrently, take one medication and then wait 4 hours to take the other medication. Cisapride, corticosteroids like prednisone, diazoxide, NSAIDs, lithium and digoxin all have side effects and drug interactions with metolazone. This medication will also cause thyroid tests to have different outcomes, so let a physician or lab personnel know about this medication prior to testing.
Side Effects of Metolazone
Blood work is required on a regular basis to ensure no harm comes from using the medication, and if you have been vomiting or become dehydrated, blood and urine will be tested. Dizziness and headaches as well as lightheadedness are common. Constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, blurred vision and loss of appetite are all side effects associated with this medication. Severe side effects that should be immediately reported to a physician include fainting, seizures, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramp or weakness, dehydration, sore throat, fever, yellowing of skin and eyes as well as easy bleeding or bruising.
Risks
Patients with severe liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, allergies, gout or diabetes should avoid using this drug due to the side effects of the medication. This drug is under the FDA’s pregnancy category B, meaning that it is not expected to harm a fetus, but it can be passed through breast milk to a nursing baby. So this medication should be used only as needed by breast feeding mothers.
Resources
AOL Health from the article What is the most important information I should know about metolazone? Last updated March 24, 2008.
Medicinet.com from the article Metolazone publication date unknown.
