Zaroxolyn

Special warnings about Zaroxolyn

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 Zaroxolyn, your doctor will do a complete assessment of your kidney function and continue to monitor it.

Do not interchange Zaroxolyn and other formulations of metolazone. The brands vary in potency of action.

If you have liver disease, diabetes, gout, or lupus erythematosus (a disease of the immune system), Zaroxolyn should be used with caution.

If you have had an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs, thiazides, or quinethazone, you may be at greater risk for an allergic reaction to this medication. You can have an allergic reaction to Zaroxolyn even if you have never had allergies or asthma.

Dehydration, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could deplete your fluids and cause your blood pressure to become too low. Be careful when exercising and in hot weather.

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

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zaroxolyn

Zaroxolyn may intensify the effects of alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

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

• ACTH
• Antidiabetic drugs
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone
• Digitalis glycosides
• Insulin
• Lithium
• Loop diuretics such as furosemide
• Methenamine
• Narcotics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
• Norepinephrine
• Other high blood pressure medications
• Tubocurarine

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding