METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE

Drug Name: METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE

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

COMMON METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE BRAND NAME(S):
Aldoril

METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 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. METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE causes increased urination. Expect this effect. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 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 METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE:
METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE: May be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation. Take METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day. It is important to continue taking METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE is suddenly stopped.

METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 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.

METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 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. METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE is not recommended for use during pregnancy. METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 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.

METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 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.

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

MISSED METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 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.

METHYLDOPA/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.