METOLAZONE

Background and Date of Approval

The U.S. FDA approved Metolazone for heart disorders on July 30, 1987. Metolazone is a thiazide diuretic that works by increasing urine flow and promoting removal of excess fluid from the body.

Uses

Metolazone treats fluid retention (edema) associated with heart and kidney conditions by promoting urine flow. It is also used to treat high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with other medications.

How is it administered?

Take the Metolazone as your physician advises. Do not take more or less of the medication than your doctor has instructed. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Metolazone are sleepiness, trouble concentrating, dry mouth, dizziness, increase in appetite, drowsiness, and headache. Serious side effects while taking Metolazone are serious allergic reactions (swelling of the mouth, lips, gums, throat, tongue, troubled breathing, rash, raised bumps, and blisters), sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings, swelling of hands, feet, and legs, weight gain, muscle problems, muscle pain, soreness, or weakness, problems with eyesight, including blurry vision.

Warnings

Do not use Metolazone if you are allergic to Metolazone, thiazides, sulfonamides, or any of its ingredients. Do not use this medication if you are unable to urinate, experiencing coma or comatose conditions due to liver cirrhosis, or have severe imbalances of salts or chemicals in your blood. This medicine contains lactose, so if you have galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption, it is advised to avoid it. This medicine is not recommended for children under the age of 18, and it should be used cautiously in elderly patients.

Precautions

Before start taking Metolazone, talk to your doctor if you have severe kidney or liver disease, are elderly, have fluid or electrolyte imbalances, or suffer from Addison's disease, diabetes, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus. Notify your doctor if you have porphyria, high cholesterol, or have a history of penicillin or sulfonamide allergy. Regular monitoring may be necessary for certain conditions.

Word of Advice

Patients with liver and kidney conditions should use Metolazone with caution and must inform their doctor of all underlying medical conditions. Do not discontinue this medicine without your doctor's advice. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose. Inform your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your doctor will advise whether dose adjustments are necessary. Seek further information from your doctor as needed.

References

Renascience Pharma Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on May 2021] [ Accessed on 25th July 2023], Xaqua 5mg UK leaflet Mock Up 4.ai (medicines.org.uk) Lannett Company, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on May 2019] [ Accessed on 25th July 2023], label (fda.gov) Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Regulation of renal function and vascular volume, 12th edition, 2011, 688. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Diuretics, 7th edition, 2013, 583.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Metolazone if I’m pregnant?

Do not consume Metolazone during pregnancy. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant.

Who should not take metolazone?

Metolazone should not be taken by people who are allergic to it. It should also not be taken by people who have severe kidney disease, liver disease, or hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Metolazone should be used with caution in people who have diabetes, gout, or a history of kidney stones.

Can I use Metolazone with other medications?

Before using this medicine, it is essential to consult your doctor, as they can interact with various other medications. Getting suggestions from your doctor will help ensure the safe and appropriate use of Metolazone with your current medication regimen.

What are the side effects of metolazone?

The most common side effects of metolazone are dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Other side effects, such as low potassium levels, high blood sugar levels, and gout, can be more serious. If you experience any side effects that are bothersome or do not go away, talk to your doctor.

Is that okay to consume while taking Metolazone?

Do not consume alcohol while taking Metolazone because your blood pressure may decrease and result in dizziness, debility, and fatigue.

Available Brands 4

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS