Metolazone
Metolazone
Diulo (discontinued), Mykrox (discontinued), Zaroxolyn
Metolazone belongs to a class of drugs known as quinazoline diuretics. The medication is used to treat swelling and fluid retention caused by certain health conditions. The medication is also used to treat high blood pressure. The medication works by acting on the kidneys and increasing the amount of water expelled from the body through urination.
Most patients tolerate metolazone well.
Common side effects of the medication include:
For more information, see our metolazone side effects page.
Metolazone is used to treat swelling and fluid retention, commonly referred to as edema, caused by heart failure or kidney disease.
Metolazone is also used alone or alongside other medications to treat high blood pressure. High blood pressure is an asymptomatic condition that places patients at higher risk of experiencing adverse events such as a heart attack and stroke.
Metolazone may interact with the following medications and substances:
- Other diuretics
- Other medications for high blood pressure
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Narcotics
- Digitalis glycosides
- Corticosteroids or ACTH
- Lithium
- Curariform drugs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Sympathomimetics
- Insulin
- Oral diabetes medications
- Methenamine
- Anticoagulants
Metolazone may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medicines, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with metolazone.
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Metolazone dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will determine the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Patients should follow the dosage guidelines established by their doctor.
Metolazone is administered in the form of an oral tablet and is available in 2.5, 5 and 10 mg strengths. Patients with edema due to heart failure or kidney disease usually start out by taking 5 to 20 mg once per day. Patients with high blood pressure usually start out by taking 2.5 to 5 mg once per day. Your doctor may gradually increase these dosages as treatment progresses.
Missing a Dose of Metolazone
If you forget to take a dose of metolazone, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not consume a double dose of metolazone to compensate for a missed dose.
Metolazone Overdose
Symptoms of a metolazone overdose may include:
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Electrolyte abnormalities
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they have taken too much of this medication.
November 27, 1973
Metolazone does not carry any black box warnings.
Recalls
In 2008, Advantage Dose LLC recalled certain lots of metolazone because the medications may not have been properly produced according to the Good Manufacturing Practices established by the FDA. The actions constituted a Class II recall.
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September 9, 2010, 3:38 pm
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September 8, 2010, 3:39 pm
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm


