What is Microzide used for?
HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE is a diuretic. It increases the amount of passed urine, which helps body to lose salt and water. This medicine is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It can also reduce swelling and water retention caused by various medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney diseases.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Microzide?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- diabetes
- gout
- immune system problems, like lupus
- kidney disease or kidney stones
- liver disease
- pancreatitis
- small amount of urine or difficulty passing urine
- an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Microzide should be taken?
Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. Remember that you will need to pass urine frequently after taking this medicine. Do not take your doses at a time of day when it can cause problems to you. You should never stop taking your medicine unless your doctor specifically advises you to do so.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Microzide?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Microzide with other medicine/food/etc?
- cholestyramine
- colestipol
- digoxin
- dofetilide
- lithium
- medicines for blood pressure
- medicines for diabetes
- medicines that relax muscles for surgery
- other diuretics
- steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
This list is not all-inclusive and may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking Microzide?
Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and in what cases you should contact them.
You may need to be on a special diet during the treatment course with this medicine. Refer to your doctor for more details.
You should check with your doctor immediately if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot during the treatment course. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to go on taking this medicine.
You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how exactly this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells. Alcohol may cause interference with this medicine’s effect. Refrain from using alcohol at all costs.
This medicine is capable of affecting your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, it is necessary for you to consult with your doctor or health care professional prior to changing the dosage of your diabetic medicine.
This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, that is why you should keep out of it during the treatment course. If sun can’t be avoided, at least wear protective clothes and always use a sunscreen. You shouldn’t use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths during the treatment course.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Microzide?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- chest pains
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
- gout attack
- muscle pain or cramps
- pain or difficulty when passing urine
- pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
- redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
- unusual weakness or feeling tired
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- blurred vision
- dry mouth
- headache
- stomach upset
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I keep Microzide?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze it. You should do your best to protect it from the light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.