HYDROTONE

Drug Name: HYDROTONE

HYDROTONE DESCRIPTION:
SPIRONOLACTONE AND W/THIAZIDE - ORAL (SPY-row-no-lack-tone WITH THIGH-uh-zide)

COMMON HYDROTONE BRAND NAME(S):
Aldactazide, Hydrotone

HYDROTONE SIDE EFFECTS:
HYDROTONE may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Watch for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or thirst. You may experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, sleeplessness, or nasal congestion the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop a skin rash, yellowing of the skin, deepening of the voice, sore throat, weakness, irregular pulse, change in amount of urine, or persistant cough. Because HYDROTONE 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. Thiazide-containing diuretics increase sensitivity to sunlight. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE HYDROTONE:
HYDROTONE: Take this exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or increase the dose without your doctor's approval. Take with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Because HYDROTONE may increase urination, avoid taking a dose late in the day.

HYDROTONE WARNING:
HYDROTONE can raise your body's potassium levels. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems, diabetes, in elderly patients, or if the patient is severely ill. Potassium levels must be closely monitored in people with any of these problems or illnesses. If not treated, high potassium levels can be fatal. If you develop any of the following symptoms, notify your doctor immediately: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat.

HYDROTONE USES:
HYDROTONE 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).

HYDROTONE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your complete medical history especially if you have gout, diabetes or liver problems. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. You may also be allergic to HYDROTONE. Thiazides can make you more prone to sunburn. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Alcohol may further lower your blood pressure. Ask your doctor about its use. HYDROTONE should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. HYDROTONE passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

HYDROTONE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take lithium, digoxin; NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin); ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril, enalapril). If you take colestipol or cholestyramine, take the diuretic 1 hour before or 4 hours after the cholesterol lowering medicine because of decreased absorption. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

HYDROTONE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, weakness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, excessive urination followed by a decrease in amount of urine, muscle cramps, and weak or irregular heartbeat.

HYDROTONE NOTES:
Unlike other diuretics, spironolactone does not cause potassium loss. Do not take potassium supplements while taking HYDROTONE unless prescribed by your doctor.

MISSED HYDROTONE 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.

HYDROTONE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.