Drugs & Vitamins

Zaroxolyn Active Ingredients: Metolazone Representative Names: Mykrox, Zaroxolyn Available Product Images: What are metolazone tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with metolazone? What side effects may I notice from taking metolazone? What should I watch for while taking metolazone? Where can I keep my medicine? What are metolazone tablets? (Back to top) METOLAZONE (Mykrox®) is a diuretic. Diuretics increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Metolazone helps to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is not a cure. NOTE: The Mykrox® product formulation is no longer available in the US. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •diabetes •gout •high levels of blood calcium •kidney disease •liver disease •pancreatitis •systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) •an unusual or allergic reaction to metolazone, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like acetazolamide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take metolazone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Remember that you will need to pass urine frequently after taking metolazone. Do not take your doses at a time of day that will cause you problems. Do not take at bedtime. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with metolazone? (Back to top) •amphotericin B •antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) •cholestyramine or colestipol •cisplatin •dofetilide •heart medicines to control the heart rhythm such as digoxin •hormones such as cortisone, fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone •lithium •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines for colds and breathing difficulties •medicines for diabetes •medicines that relax muscles for surgery •monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™) •probenecid •water pills Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking metolazone? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: •change in your vision (such as blurred vision) •chest pain, irregular heartbeat (palpitations) •lower back or side pain •numbness or tingling in the hands or feet •redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth •severe stomach upset, pain, or cramps •unusual rash, bleeding or bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the skin •unusual tiredness or weakness •yellowing of the eyes or skin More Common: •cough or hoarseness •dizziness, fainting spells, or lightheadedness •fever or chills •increased thirst which does not go away •joint pain, or muscle pain, cramps •mood changes •mouth sores •nausea, vomiting •pain or difficulty passing urine Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •constipation or diarrhea •decreased sexual ability •dry mouth •increased sensitivity to the sun •loss of appetite •upset stomach What should I watch for while taking metolazone? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. You must not get dehydrated, ask your prescriber or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Do not stop taking metolazone except on your prescriber's advice. There are different brands of metolazone. They are not the same and you must not change your regular brand without your prescriber's advice. Watch your diet while you are taking metolazone. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about both potassium and sodium intake. Metolazone can make your body lose potassium and you may need an extra supply. Too high or too low potassium can cause problems. Some foods have a high potassium content such as bananas, coconuts, dates, figs, prunes, apricots, peaches, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, and orange juice. You may get dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how metolazone affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you lightheaded, dizzy and increase confusion. Avoid or limit intake of alcoholic drinks. Metolazone may make your skin more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking metolazone. Metolazone can increase the amount of sugar in blood or urine. If you are a diabetic keep a close check on blood and urine sugar. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/31/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.