Diuretics, Thiazide (Systemic)
Precautions While Using This MedicineIt is
important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure
that this medicine is working properly.
This medicine may cause a loss of potassium from your
body
:
-
To help prevent this, your doctor may want you to:
-
eat or drink foods that have a high potassium content (for example,
orange or other citrus fruit juices), or
-
take a potassium supplement, or
-
take another medicine to help prevent the loss of the potassium in
the first place.
-
It is very important to follow these directions. Also, it is important
not to change your diet on your own. This is more important if you are already
on a special diet (as for diabetes), or if you are taking a potassium supplement
or a medicine to reduce potassium loss. Extra potassium may not be necessary
and, in some cases, too much potassium could be harmful.
Check with your doctor if you become sick and have severe or continuing
vomiting or diarrhea. These problems may cause you to lose additional water
and potassium.
For diabetic patients
:
-
Thiazide diuretics may raise blood sugar levels. While you are using
this medicine, be especially careful in testing for sugar in your blood or
urine.
Thiazide diuretics may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight
than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time,
may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin,
or a severe sunburn. When you begin taking this medicine:
-
Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00
a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible.
-
Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
-
Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF)
of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number,
especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about
this, check with your health care professional.
-
Apply a sun block lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect
your lips.
-
Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.
If you have a severe reaction from the sun, check with your doctor.
For patients taking this medicine for high blood pressure
:
-
Do not take other medicines unless they have
been discussed with your doctor
. This especially includes over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay
fever, or sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.
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