ALDOCLOR-250

Drug Name: ALDOCLOR-250

ALDOCLOR-250 DESCRIPTION:
METHYLDOPA W/THIAZIDE DIURETICS - ORAL (meth-ill-DOPE-uh WITH THIGH-uh-zide dye-you-RET-ick)

COMMON ALDOCLOR-250 BRAND NAME(S):
Aldoril

ALDOCLOR-250 SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, headache, gas, dry mouth, fatigue or stomach upset may occur the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. ALDOCLOR-250 causes increased urination. Expect this effect. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. ALDOCLOR-250 may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Inform your doctor if you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing, depression, severe stomach cramps, unusual bleeding or bruising, rash, flu symptoms, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ALDOCLOR-250:
ALDOCLOR-250: May be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation. Take ALDOCLOR-250 exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day. It is important to continue taking ALDOCLOR-250 even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking ALDOCLOR-250 without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when ALDOCLOR-250 is suddenly stopped.

ALDOCLOR-250 USES:
This combination medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Methyldopa relaxes blood vessels resulting in lowered blood pressure. Thiazide diuretics, "water pills," reduce fluid accumulation (edema) by increasing urination.

ALDOCLOR-250 PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of liver problems. Limit alcohol intake to minimize dizziness and lightheadedness. ALDOCLOR-250 may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. ALDOCLOR-250 is not recommended for use during pregnancy. ALDOCLOR-250 appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

ALDOCLOR-250 DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of lithium, digoxin, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), levodopa for Parkinson's disease, medication to treat depression, and of iron supplements. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart rate like the decongestants phenylephrine or phenylpropanolamine. These drugs are commonly found in cough-and-cold products and may affect your blood pressure medicine. If you take cholestyramine or colestipol for high cholesterol, take this high blood pressure medicine 1 hour before or 4 hours after. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ALDOCLOR-250 OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include excessive sleepiness, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, slowed heartbeat, confusion, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.

ALDOCLOR-250 NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking ALDOCLOR-250. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor. ALDOCLOR-250 can cause potassium loss. Symptoms of low potassium include dry mouth, thirst, muscle cramps. Ask your doctor about increasing your potassium intake.

MISSED ALDOCLOR-250 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.

ALDOCLOR-250 STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.