Product Description.:
WATSON 424
tablet , green , scored , round round
WARNING: This medication can raise your body's potassium levels. This effect is more likely to occur in patients with kidney disease, diabetes, or serious illness or in the elderly. Potassium levels must be closely monitored on a regular basis while taking this medication. If not treated, high potassium levels can sometimes be fatal. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of these rare but serious symptoms: muscle weakness, very slow heartbeat.
USES: This medication is a combination of two water pills (diuretics). It increases the amount of urine you make, which causes your body to get rid of excess water. Hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene is used in patients who have developed or are at risk for developing serious potassium loss with hydrochlorothiazide treatment alone. This drug is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication also reduces swelling/fluid retention (edema) seen with conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. This can help to improve symptoms such as trouble breathing.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It is best to take this medication early in the day, before 4-6PM, to prevent having to wake up during the night to urinate. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time of the day as directed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Cholestyramine and colestipol can decrease the absorption of hydrochlorothiazide. If you are taking either of these drugs, separate hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene from cholestyramine by at least 4 hours and from colestipol by at least 2 hours. If your condition persists or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred vision, loss of appetite, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication may lead to excessive loss of body water and minerals. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss: muscle cramps or weakness, confusion, severe dizziness, unusual dry mouth or thirst, nausea or vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, fainting, seizures. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, decreased sexual ability, kidney stones. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat or fever, easy bleeding or bruising, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing of eyes/skin. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to sulfa medications or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease (e.g., inability to make urine or anuria), high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia), severe liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease (e.g., kidney stones), liver disease, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., sodium, chloride), gout, lupus, metabolic imbalance (e.g., acidosis), folic acid deficiency. If you have diabetes, hydrochlorothiazide may worsen control of blood glucose levels. Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and inform your doctor of the results. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. This drug may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machine
