Spironolactone and Hydrochlorothiazide

The combination of spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide, a 'water pill,' is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by various conditions, including heart disease. It causes the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. This medicine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

The combination of spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day in the morning with food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. This medication controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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upset stomach</li>
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vomiting</li>
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diarrhea</li>
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loss of appetite</li>
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stomach pain</li>
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gas</li>
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frequent urination</li>
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dizziness</li>
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headache</li>
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enlarged or painful breasts</li>
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irregular menstrual periods</li>
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drowsiness</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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muscle weakness or cramps</li>
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rapid, excessive weight loss</li>
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fatigue</li>
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slow or irregular heartbeat</li>
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sore throat</li>
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unusual bruising or bleeding</li>
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yellowing of the skin or eyes</li>
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skin rash</li>
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vomiting blood</li>
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fever</li>
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confusion</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin; captopril (Capoten); digoxin (Lanoxin); enalapril (Vasotec); lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure; potassium supplements; and vitamins. Do not take this medicine if you are taking amiloride or triamterene. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, gout, or kidney or liver disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.