Zaroxolyn (Metolazone)

If you have liver or kidney failure, your doctor will probably tell you not to take ZAROXOLYN. You should tell your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Gout
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Parathyroid
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease

Also, tell your physician if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding while taking ZAROXOLYN. ZAROXOLYN should not be used during pregnancy, unless absolutely necessary.

ZAROXOLYN treats high blood pressure, but it does not cure it. You should continue to take this drug even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ZAROXOLYN without first consulting with your physician. Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of ZAROXOLYN and gradually increase the dose.

This medication may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting if you get up too quickly from a lying position. This symptom is more common when you first start ZAROXOLYN.

Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects are severe or don't go away:

• Weakness
• Restlessness
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Joint pain or swelling
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Serious Side Effects:

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care:

• Chest pain
• Signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, dark urine, decreased sweating, or dry skin
• Rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Blistering or peeling skin
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Sore throat with fever
• Loss of appetite
• Upset stomach
• Extreme fatigue
• Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• Flu-like symptoms
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal and nutritional, or dietary drugs you are taking, especially:

• Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• Aspirin
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
• Corticotropin
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Furosemide (Lasix)
• Medications for diabetes, including insulin
• Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
• Asthma or cold medications
• Drugs for pain or seizures
• Methenamine (Hiprex, Urex)
• Other high blood pressure drugs
• Sedatives
• Oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol) and prednisone (Deltasone)
• Tranquilizers
• Vitamin D

Other Interactions

Alcohol may worsen the side effects ZAROXOLYN. Your doctor may put you on a low-sodium diet or may prescribe potassium supplements or an increase in potassium-rich foods while taking ZAROXOLYN.

You should avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to the sun while taking this drug because it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You should also avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how ZAROXOLYN affects you.

Your dose of ZAROXOLYN will depend on your doctor's orders. The following is an average dosing schedule:

For fluid retention (edema):

• Adults: Start with 5 to 20 milligrams (mg), once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
• Children: Usage and dose will be determined by doctor.

For high blood pressure:

• Adults: Start with 2.5 to 5 mg, once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
• Children: Usage and dose will be determined by doctor.

Overdose:

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or contact your doctor immediately.

Missed Dose:

If you miss a dose of ZAROXOLYN , take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.