Zaroxolyn (Metolazone)

What is Zaroxolyn?

Zaroxolyn (metolazone) is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that keeps your body from absorbing excess salt.

What is Zaroxolyn used for?

Zaroxolyn is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure, edema and nephrotic syndrome. Reducing high blood pressure further helps prevent heart attcks, strokes, and kidney problems. The medicine can also help better breathing problems.

How does Zaroxolyn work?

Zaroxolyn contains metolazone that augments the water level in the body, increasing renal activity and flushing out the salt from the body. This results in relief from edema or fluid retention. It also helps in lowering the blood pressure and preventing heart diseases.

How to use Zaroxolyn

Take the tablet as directed by your doctor. You are to take the Zaroxolyn tablet orally, once daily, with a glass of water. The Zaroxolyn tablet can be taken with or without food.

It is advised that the tablets are to be taken the number of times approved by the doctor.

It is best to take the tablet 4 hours before going to bed.  To gain the best results, take the medicine daily and preferably at the same time. If you are also taking colestipol and cholestyramine in tandem with this medicine, make sure you have them 4 hours before or after the consumption of this medicine.

Zaroxolyn warnings and precautions

Do not take Zaroxolyn if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. If you have severe kidney disease, Zaroxolyn is not prescribed for you.

Check with your doctor before you take the medicine if you have a medical history of kidney or liver diseases, mineral imbalance, gout, lupus or are allergic to sulfa drugs.

Do not discontinue the medicine without asking your doctor.

If you are a diabetic, ensure that you regularly keep a check on your blood sugar levels to avoid any complications that might crop up. Also, the dosage has to be adjusted to suit your medical condition.

Zaroxolyn can make your skin over-sensitive to the sunlight. Therefore, avoid harsh lighting as far as possible and keep yourself adequately covered.

Zaroxolyn can make you dizzy and blur the vision; you are advised not to take up any attention demanding work while you are under this medication period. Avoid alcohol at all costs.

Pregnant and lactating mothers should consult their doctors before taking this drug.

What do I do if I have missed a Zaroxolyn dose?

If you have missed a Zaroxolyn dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take more of the medicine to make up for the loss.

What do I do if I have taken a Zaroxolyn overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Zaroxolyn, consult your doctor.

Zaroxolyn interactions

Zaroxolyn must not be taken in tandem with cisapride.

Inform your doctor about all the non prescription and herbal medicines you have been taking. If you are taking Zaroxolyn, medicines like lithium, methenamine, steroids like prednisone; blood thinners like warfarin and heparin; insulin and other diabetes medicines, digoxin, furosemide and other blood pressure medications; salicylates like aspirin, disaclaid, dolobid, salflex, tricosal, Doan’s pills;  NSAIDs like ibuprofen, indomethacin, etodolac, naproxen, piroxicam, Diclofenac etc; must be taken only after talking to the doctor about them.

Zaroxolyn side effects

Side effects from Zaroxolyn include diarrhea or constipation, headache, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, dizziness and blurred vision. If these conditions persist, it is recommended that you visit your medical health provider.

Some other side effects of Zaroxolyn might include dehydration, muscle cramps or fatigue, confusion, dryness in mouth, nausea followed by vomiting, seizure, decrease in the amount of urine , easy bleeding, abdominal pain,  persistent soreness in throat, jaundice symptoms, etc.

If you notice Zaroxolyn side effects like rash, itching or swelling on the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness, breathing trouble, call your doctor immediately.