What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Diabetes
-Kidney disease
-Liver disease
-Small amount of urine or difficulty passing urine
-Systemic lupus erythematosus
-An unusual or allergic reaction to chlorothiazide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
This medication may interact with the following:
-Barbiturates like phenobarbital
-Lithium
-Medications for diabetes
-Medications for high blood pressure
-NSAIDs like ibuprofen
-Prescription pain medications
-Skeletal muscle relaxants like tubocurarine
-Some cholesterol-lowering medications like cholestyramine or colestipol
-Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your care team what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact them.
You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medication. Ask your care team.
Check with your care team if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.