Urozide

To reduce fluid retention (edema), the usual recommended adult dose of Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) is 25 mg to 200 mg daily, given in 1 to 3 divided doses. Some people may only need to take Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) every other day, or for 3 to 5 days per week, as directed by their doctor. For infants and children, the dose is based on body weight and is given in 2 divided doses.

When treating toxemia of pregnancy, the recommended dose is usually 100 mg taken every day; however doses may range from 100 mg every day to 100 mg every 4 days. If needed, the dose may be increased to 200 mg daily for severe toxemia given in 2 divided doses and for short periods of time.

For the treatment of high blood pressure, the usual recommended adult dose of Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) is 12.5 mg to 50 mg daily.

When taken once daily, Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) should be taken in the morning to prevent the need to urinate during nighttime.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Urozide is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide). This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide), speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.

Do not take Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) if you:

• are allergic to Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) or any of the ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to sulfonamide medications (e.g., sulfamethoxazole)
• are unable to urinate
• have Kidney Disease that is worsening and reduced urine production while taking Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide)

There may be an interaction between Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) and any of the following:

• alcohol
• Allopurinol
• amphotericin B
• anesthetics
• anticholinergic medications (e.g., oxybutinin)
• barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
• calcium supplements
• Cholestyramine
• Colestipol
• corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) and ACTH
• Digoxin
• insulin
• lithium
• medications that lower blood pressure
• medications that reduce potassium levels (e.g., other diuretics such as Furosemide)
• narcotics (e.g., Codeine, Oxycodone, Morphine)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS; e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac)
• norepinephrine
• oral diabetes medications (e.g., Glyburide, Gliclazide, Metformin, Pioglitazone)
• Pseudoephedrine
• quinidine
• Rituximab
• tetracyclines (e.g., Tetracycline, minoclycline, doxycycline)
• Topiramate
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide).

HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY

January 31, 2019

Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

Cholesterol: Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels may occur when taking Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide). Your doctor will monitor your cholesterol and triglyceride levels with blood tests while you are taking Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide).

Diabetes: Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: The levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride can be reduced with Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide). Your doctor will monitor your electrolyte levels with blood tests while you are taking Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide). Warning signs or symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance include:

• confusion
• drowsiness
• Dry Mouth
• Low Blood Pressure
• muscle pains or cramps
• muscular fatigue
• nausea and vomiting
• racing heartbeat
• restlessness
• seizures
• thirst
• unusual tiredness
• weakness

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. To prevent low potassium levels, eat foods that are high in potassium (e.g., bananas, dried figs, dates, prunes, nuts). If your potassium level is low, your doctor may suggest a potassium supplement.

Glaucoma: Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide).

Gout: Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) may aggravate or cause gout. If you have high levels of uric acid in your blood or a history of gout, discuss with your doctor how Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) may cause changes in kidney function. If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver disease: If you have reduced liver function or progressive liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Low blood pressure when standing: Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) can cause low blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying position (also called orthostatic hypotension). Alcohol and other medications such as Phenobarbital and other medications to treat high blood pressure can increase the chances that this will happen. If you are taking these medications, your doctor may change the dose of these medications and increase them slowly to reduce the chance of you experiencing this.

Sensitivity to sunlight: Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Avoid exposure to sunlight for long periods of time, particularly between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, while you are taking Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) and for 7 days after completing treatment. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you notice any unusual skin rash or peeling, contact your doctor immediately.

Skin Cancer: Long-term use of Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) has recently been connected to an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

Systemic Lupus erythematosus: Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) can worsen or activate the symptoms of lupus. If you experience swollen and painful joints, fever, fatigue, or rash on the nose and cheeks while taking Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide), contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Urozide (Hydrochlorothiazide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.