COMMON BRAND NAME(S) Aquatensen, Diuril, Enduron, Esidrix, Hygroton, Naturetin, Oretic, Renese, Zaroxolyn

Generic Microzide Drug Uses

Generic Microzide is a "water pill" (diuretic) that decreases the amount of water in the body by increasing urination. It is used to decrease body fluid and swelling of the hands or feet (edema), and for high blood pressure.

How Generic Microzide Drug Works

Take Generic Microzide with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Try to take Generic Microzide at the same time each day. This may help you to remember to take it. Learn proper use of your particular brand of medication. Follow your dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Use a supplemental form of birth control during the first week of taking Generic Microzide since it takes a while to be effective. Follow your doctor's directions exactly if Generic Microzide is being used as a "morning after" pill.

How Generic Microzide Taken

Because Generic Microzide increases urination, it is best taken early in the day. This drug may be taken by mouth with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.

Possible Generic Microzide Side Effects

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•blood in urine or stools
•diarrhea
•dry mouth
•fever or chills, sore throat
•increased thirst
•irregular heartbeat
•lower back or side pain
•mood changes
•muscle pain or weakness, cramps
•nausea, vomiting
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•severe stomach pain
•skin rash, itching
•tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
•unusual bleeding or bruising
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation
•dizziness or lightheadedness
•headache
•increased sensitivity to the sun
•loss of appetite
•stomach upset, pain, or cramps

Generic Microzide Warnings/Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially about: gout, diabetes, liver problems, urinary problems, any allergies (especially to sulfa medications). Thiazide diuretics may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you become sun sensitive, use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Thiazide diuretics appear in breast milk. Though there have been (to date) no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Generic Microzide Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea and vomiting. Females may experience vaginal bleeding.

Generic Microzide Drug Interactions

•amantadine
•amphotericin B
•antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
•cholestyramine
•colestipol
•diazoxide
•digoxin
•dofetilide
•hormones such as cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone
•lithium
•medicines for diabetes that are taken by mouth
•medicines for high blood pressure, heart disease, or to control the heart rhythm
•water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Generic Microzide Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Generic Microzide Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Generic Microzide More Information

Do not share Generic Microzide with others. This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about increasing your dietary potassium. Salt substitutes contain potassium and may be beneficial. Sometimes a potassium supplement medication will be prescribed by your doctor.