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|Diuril Diuril

Diuril

Generic name: Chlorothiazide
Brand names: Diuril

Why is Diuril prescribed?

Diuril is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and other conditions that require the elimination of excess fluid (water) from the body. These conditions include congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, corticosteroid and estrogen therapy, and kidney disease. When used for high blood pressure, Diuril can be used alone or with other high blood pressure medications. Diuril contains a form of thiazide, a diuretic that prompts your body to eliminate more fluid, which helps lower blood pressure.

Most important fact about Diuril

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Diuril regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Diuril; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Diuril does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Diuril?

Take Diuril exactly as prescribed. Stopping Diuril suddenly could cause your condition to worsen.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture and freezing.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Diuril.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal cramps, anemia, changes in blood sugar, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, dizziness on standing up, fever, fluid in lungs, hair loss, headache, high levels of sugar in urine, hives, hypersensitivity reactions, impotence, inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the salivary glands, light-headedness, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, low potassium (leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or cramps), lung inflammation, muscle spasms, nausea, rash, reddish or purplish spots on skin, restlessness, sensitivity to light, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, stomach irritation, stomach upset, tingling or pins and needles, vertigo, vision changes, vomiting, weakness, yellow eyes and skin

Why should Diuril not be prescribed?

If you are unable to urinate, you should not take Diuril. If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Diuril or other thiazide-type diuretics, or if you are sensitive to sulfa drugs, you should not take Diuril.

Special warnings about Diuril

Diuretics can cause your body to lose too much potassium. Signs of an excessively low potassium level include muscle weakness and rapid or irregular heartbeat. To boost your potassium level, your doctor may recommend eating potassium-rich foods or taking a potassium supplement.

If you are taking Diuril, your doctor will do a complete assessment of your kidney function and continue to monitor it. Use with caution if you have severe kidney disease.

If you have liver disease, diabetes, gout, or the connective tissue disease lupus erythematosus, your doctor will prescribe Diuril cautiously.

If you have bronchial asthma or a history of allergies you may be at greater risk for an allergic reaction to Diuril.

Dehydration, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could deplete your body"s fluids and lower your blood pressure too much. Be careful when exercising and in hot weather.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Diuril if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Diuril

Diuril may increase the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Diuril.

If Diuril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either may be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Diuril with the following:

Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Questran and Colestid
Drugs to treat diabetes such as insulin and Micronase
Lithium (Eskalith)
Narcotic painkillers such as Percocet
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Naprosyn and Motrin
Norepinephrine (Levophed)
Other drugs for high blood pressure such as Capoten and Procardia XL
Steroids such as prednisone

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Diuril during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Diuril appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Diuril is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Diuril comes in tablets, an oral suspension, and an intravenous preparation, reserved for emergencies. Dosages below are for the oral preparations.

Swelling due to excess water

The usual dose is 0.5 gram to 1 gram 1 or 2 times per day. Your doctor may have you take Diuril on alternate days or on some other on-off schedule.

High Blood Pressure

The starting dose is 0.5 gram to 1 gram per day, taken as one dose or two or more smaller doses. Your doctor will adjust the dosage to suit your needs.

CHILDREN

Dosages for children are adjusted according to weight, generally 10 milligrams per pound of body weight daily in 2 doses.

Under 6 months

Dosage may be up to 15 milligrams per pound of body weight per day in 2 doses.

Under 2 years

The usual dosage is 125 milligrams to 375 milligrams per day in 2 doses. The liquid form of Diuril may be used in children under 2 years of age at a dosage of 1/2 to 1-1/2 teaspoons (2.5 to 7.5 milliliters) per day.

2 to 12 years

The usual dosage is 375 milligrams to 1 gram daily in 2 doses. The liquid form of Diuril may be used in children 2 to 12 years at a dosage of 1-1/2 to 4 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters to 20 milliliters) per day.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Signs of Diuril overdose may include:
  Dehydration and symptoms of low potassium (dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or cramps)