Moduretic

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Moduretic

Uses
This combination drug is a diuretic or "water pill". It reduces the amount of water and sodium retained by the body. It is used to lower blood pressure and to treat edema (fluid retention).

Notes

It is important to continue taking this drug even if you do not experience symptoms of high blood pressure.
Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.

Moduretic

How To Use

Take with food or milk to minimize stomach upset.
Take this drug exactly as prescribed.
Do not skip doses, increase the dose or stop taking the drug without your doctor's approval.
Because this drug may increase urination, avoid taking a dose near bedtime.
Try to take this at the same time each day so you remember to take it.

Side Effects

This drug may cause dizziness or vision changes.
Watch for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or thirst.
This drug may cause nausea, vomiting, change in appetite, headache or constipation the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication.
Notify your doctor if you develop muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, tingling of the hands and feet, fatigue or difficulty urinating.
This drug may increase sensitivity to the sun.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
It may be necessary to wear protective clothing and a sunscreen when outdoors.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before you take this medication tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney or liver disease or any drug allergies.
Caution must be observed when eating large amounts of food high in potassium such as bananas, baked potatoes, cantaloupe, avocado, raisins, cooked spinach and other foods.
Consult your doctor or nutritionist.
Alcoholic beverages may increase the effects of this drug, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
Limit alcohol intake.
Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness.
Because this drug changes your fluid balance, you may feel dizzy if you change from a lying to a standing position too rapidly.
Avoid this by sitting up a few minutes before rising.
If an illness causes severe vomiting or diarrhea, the fluid balance in your body can be upset; contact your doctor.
Unlike other diuretics, amiloride does not cause potassium loss from the body.
Do not use salt substitutes without your doctor's permission.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug.
One of the components of this drug is excreted into breast milk.
Some doctors recommend avoiding the use of hydrochlorothiazide for the first month of lactation because it may decrease milk output.
Consult your doctor before nursing.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially captopril, digoxin, enalapril, lithium, potassium supplements and medication for arthritis, diabetes or high blood pressure.
Tell your doctor if you take spironolactone or triamterene.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.