MODURETIC

Drug Name: MODURETIC

MODURETIC DESCRIPTION:
AMILORIDE W/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL (am-ILL-or-ide WITH HI-dro-klor-oh-THIGH-uh-zide)

COMMON MODURETIC BRAND NAME(S):
Moduretic

MODURETIC SIDE EFFECTS:
MODURETIC may cause dizziness or vision changes. Watch for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or thirst. MODURETIC may cause nausea, vomiting, change in appetite, headache or constipation the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor if you develop: muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, tingling of the hands or feet, fatigue, difficulty urinating. MODURETIC may increase sensitivity to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. It may be necessary to wear protective clothing and a sunscreen when outdoors. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MODURETIC:
MODURETIC: Take with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take MODURETIC exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses, increase the dose or stop taking the drug without your doctor's approval. Because MODURETIC may increase urination, avoid taking a dose near bedtime. Try to take this at the same time each day so you remember to take it.

MODURETIC WARNING:
MODURETIC 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.

MODURETIC USES:
This combination drug 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).

MODURETIC PRECAUTIONS:
Before you take MODURETIC tell your doctor if you have: diabetes, kidney or liver disease, any drug allergies. Caution must be observed when eating large amounts of food high in potassium such as bananas, baked potatoes, cantaloupe, avocado, raisins, cooked spinach and other foods. Consult your doctor or nutritionist. Alcoholic beverages may increase the effects of this drug, causing dizziness or lightheadedness. Limit alcohol intake. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Because MODURETIC 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. If an illness causes severe vomiting or diarrhea, the fluid balance in your body can be upset; contact your doctor. Unlike other diuretics, amiloride does not cause potassium loss from the body. Do not use salt substitutes without your doctor's permission. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using MODURETIC. One of the components of MODURETIC is excreted into breast milk. Some doctors recommend avoiding the use of hydrochlorothiazide for the first month of lactation because it may decrease milk output. Consult your doctor before nursing.

MODURETIC DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially of: captopril, digoxin, enalapril, lithium, potassium supplements, arthritis medications, drugs for diabetes, high blood pressure drugs. Tell your doctor if you take: spironolactone, triamterene. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MODURETIC OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unconsciousness, nausea/vomiting, weakness, slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, confusion, unusually slow heartbeat, seizures, drowsiness, or fainting.

MODURETIC NOTES:
It is important to continue taking MODURETIC even if you do not experience symptoms of high blood pressure. Do not allow anyone else to use MODURETIC.

MISSED MODURETIC 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.

MODURETIC STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.