Zaroxolyn

Generic name: Metolazone

What is Zaroxolyn?

Zaroxolyn is used to treat fluid retention due to congestive heart failure, kidney problems, or a kidney disorder known as nephrotic syndrome. helps you form urine and get rid of excess body water.

Zaroxolyn is also used to treat high blood pressure; it may be used alone or in combination with other drugs that treat high blood pressure.

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

Zaroxolyn tablets are not interchangeable with other metolazone formulations.

Rarely, allergic reactions to Zaroxolyn can occur with the first dose. Seek medical attention immediately if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the throat or face, or any other allergic-type reaction after taking Zaroxolyn. You may be more likely to experience an allergy to Zaroxolyn if you are also allergic to sulfonamide-type medicines, thiazide-type diuretics, or quinethazone.

Take Zaroxolyn with caution if you are also currently taking other medicines to lower your blood pressure. Let your doctor know if you feel dizzy or light-headed when you take Zaroxolyn.

Zaroxolyn may cause dizziness, light-headedness, 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.

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Zaroxolyn; this drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or light-headedness.

Zaroxolyn may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Zaroxolyn. Use sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Zaroxolyn may increase your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic, monitor your blood sugar and report any changes to your doctor.

Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.

Who should not take Zaroxolyn?

You should not take Zaroxolyn if you do not produce urine, are in a coma or pre-coma, or if you are allergic or sensitive to Zaroxolyn or any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Zaroxolyn?

Mention all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Zaroxolyn. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of kidney or liver problems, diabetes, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus, blood disorders, or electrolyte abnormalities in your blood.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The effective dosage of Zaroxolyn should be individualized according to what the medicine is being used for, as well as the patient's response. A single daily dose is recommended. Therapy with Zaroxolyn should be slowly increased to determine the minimal dose possible to maintain the desired response.

Edema of Cardiac Failure or Renal Disease

Adults: The usual dose is 5-20 milligrams (mg) taken once a day.

Mild to Moderate Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Adults: The usual dose is 2.5-5 mg taken once a day.

The time interval required for the initial dosage regimen to show effect may vary from three or four days to three to six weeks in the treatment of elevated blood pressure.

How should I take Zaroxolyn?

Zaroxolyn should be taken at the same time every day, with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Zaroxolyn 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.

What should I avoid while taking Zaroxolyn?

You should not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you know how Zaroxolyn will affect you, especially after taking the first dose.

Do not stand or sit up quickly when taking Zaroxolyn, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting.

Zaroxolyn may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Zaroxolyn. Use sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Zaroxolyn?

If Zaroxolyn is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zaroxolyn with the following: alcohol; angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril; anticoagulants; antineoplastic agents, such as cyclophosphamide; barbiturates; corticosteroids or ACTH; curariform drugs; diazoxide; digitalis glycosides; diuretics, especially furosemide or other loop-type diuretics; insulin and oral antidiabetic agents; ketanserin; lithium; medications that lower your blood pressure; methenamine; narcotics; norepinephrine; and salicylates and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

What are the possible side effects of Zaroxolyn?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: chest pain; low blood pressure, especially when rising from a seated position or lying down; fainting; dizziness; headache; fatigue; skin rashes; itching; diarrhea; constipation; stomach pain; loss of appetite; stomach bloating; electrolyte abnormalities in the blood; muscle cramps or spasms; dry mouth; chills

More serious side effects may include: sore throat with fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe skin rash with peeling skin, difficulty breathing or swallowing

Rarely, allergic reactions to Zaroxolyn can occur with the first dose. Seek medical attention immediately if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the throat or face, or any other allergic-type reaction after taking Zaroxolyn.

Can I receive Zaroxolyn if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Zaroxolyn should be used during pregnancy only if the anticipated benefit is weighed against possible hazards to the fetus. Zaroxolyn is excreted in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from metolazone, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zaroxolyn?

If you forget to take Zaroxolyn, take it as soon as you remember. If it is closer to your next scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and take Zaroxolyn according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double your doses.

How should I store Zaroxolyn?

Store 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 Zaroxolyn out of the reach of children. .