RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE

Drug Name: RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE

RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE DESCRIPTION:
RAUWOLFIA ALKALOIDS WITH THIAZIDE DIURETICS - ORAL

COMMON RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE BRAND NAME(S):
Enduronyl, Hydropres, Regroton, Renese-R, Salutensin

RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, loss of appetite, nasal congestion, frequent urination or fatigue may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, change positions slowly. Avoid prolonged standing and be careful on stairs. Inform your doctor if you develop chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, depression, impotence, stomach cramps, skin rash or nervousness while taking RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE:
RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE: Take RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Take this with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation unless otherwise directed by your doctor. It is important to continue taking RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE USES:
This combination medication lowers blood pressure. It is used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).

RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE PRECAUTIONS:
RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. This medicine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Small amounts of RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE appear in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. Warning to diabetic patients: RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE may raise your blood sugar. It is best to avoid alcohol and becoming over-heated because of an increased likelihood of lightheadedness and dizziness. Be sure your doctor knows your complete medical history especially if: you are prone to depression, you have ulcers or gallstones. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. You may also be allergic to RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE.

RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) or digoxin (Lanoxin). Avoid any drugs that increase your heart rate or make you excited like decongestants because it may counter-act your blood pressure medicine. Decongestants are commonly found in over the counter cough and cold medicine. If your medicine contains a thiazide and you take colestipol or cholestyramine, take the diuretic 1 hour before or 4 hours after the cholesterol lowering medicine because of decreased adsorption. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, drowsiness, coma, slow heartbeat, dizziness, slow or shallow breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle stiffness, leg pain, tremors, or unconsciousness.

RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor. RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about increasing your dietary potassium. Sometimes a potassium supplement medication may be beneficial. Avoid a bedtime dose because of increased urination.

MISSED RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the 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. Check with your doctor if 2 or more doses have been missed.

RESERPINE/HYDROCLOROTHIAZIDE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. 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.