What is 
?
Methyclothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.
Methyclothiazide treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or kidney disorders, or edema caused by taking steroids or estrogen. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Methyclothiazide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Methyclothiazide?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to methyclothiazide or if you are unable to urinate.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, asthma or allergies, gout, diabetes, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of methyclothiazide.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor’s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
There are many other medicines that can interact with methyclothiazide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Methyclothiazide?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to methyclothiazide, or if you are unable to urinate.
Before using methyclothiazide, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- asthma or allergies
- gout
- diabetes; or
- an allergy to sulfa drugs
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take methyclothiazide.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Methyclothiazide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Methyclothiazide Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Methyclothiazide?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting
- feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed
- fast or uneven heartbeat
- muscle pain or weakness
- urinating less than usual
- numbness or tingly feeling
- a red, blistering, peeling skin rash
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- pancreatitis (severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate)
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
- diarrhea
- constipation; or
- blurred vision
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Methyclothiazide Interactions
What other drugs affect Methyclothiazide?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
- lithium
- digoxin (Lanoxin)
- steroids (prednisone and others)
- other blood pressure medications; or
- insulin or diabetes medicine taken by mouth
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with methyclothiazide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Methyclothiazide?
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of methyclothiazide.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor’s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Methyclothiazide Dosage
How should I take Methyclothiazide?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Your blood and urine may both be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.
Methyclothiazide can interfere with the results of a thyroid test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using a thiazide diuretic.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store the tablets at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.
What happens if I overdose on Methyclothiazide?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, thirst, confusion, leg discomfort, and muscle pain, weakness, or limp feeling.
What happens if I miss a dose of Methyclothiazide?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com