What is Moduretic 5-50 (hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride)?

Moduretic 5-50 is a combination medication containing hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic, commonly known as a water pill, that helps the body eliminate excess salt and water, which can reduce fluid retention. Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic that prevents the body from losing too much potassium while still helping to eliminate excess salt and water.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride is used to treat:

• Fluid retention (edema)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)

This medication may also be prescribed for other uses not listed in this medication guide. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Important Information About Moduretic 5-50 (hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride)

Before taking Moduretic 5-50, it's crucial to understand the potential risks and interactions.

Do not use this medication if you have:

• Kidney disease
• Urination problems
• Diabetes
• High potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia)

Avoid potassium supplements while taking Moduretic 5-50 unless specifically directed by your doctor.

Before using this medication, inform your doctor if you have:

• Heart disease
• Cirrhosis or other liver disease
• A breathing disorder
• Gout
• Lupus
• An allergy to sulfa drugs
• A pancreas disorder

Also, tell your doctor if you are taking steroids or other blood pressure medications.

Other important considerations:

• Avoid alcohol, as it can worsen certain side effects.
• Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium, as they can lead to dangerously high potassium levels.

Many medications can interact with Moduretic 5-50. Provide your doctor with a complete list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, and herbal products you are taking. Do not start any new medications without consulting your doctor.

Avoid overheating or dehydration during exercise or in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding fluid intake, as both insufficient and excessive fluid intake can be harmful.

Before Taking Moduretic 5-50: What to Discuss with Your Doctor

Before starting Moduretic 5-50, have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about your medical history and any existing conditions.

Contraindications:

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or amiloride, or if you have:

• Kidney disease or are unable to urinate
• High potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
• Are currently taking potassium supplements

Medical History:

Before using hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride, tell your doctor if you have:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Cirrhosis or other liver disease
• A breathing disorder
• Gout
• Lupus
• An allergy to sulfa drugs
• A pancreas disorder
• Are using another blood pressure medication or a steroid

If you have any of these conditions, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or perform special tests to ensure Moduretic 5-50 is safe for you.

How to Take Moduretic 5-50 for Best Results

To get the most benefit from Moduretic 5-50, follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Dosage:

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose, and do not take it for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Administration:

Take each dose with a full glass of water and with food.

Monitoring:

While taking this medication, your blood pressure will need to be checked regularly. Attend all scheduled appointments. Your blood and urine may also be tested, especially if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.

Important Considerations:

• Hydrochlorothiazide can interfere with thyroid test results. Inform any doctor treating you that you are taking a thiazide diuretic.
• If you require surgery, tell the surgeon in advance that you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride. You may need to discontinue the medication temporarily.
• If you are being treated for high blood pressure, continue taking this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Storage:

Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not allow the tablets to freeze.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose of Moduretic 5-50

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What Happens If You Overdose on Moduretic 5-50?

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Overdose symptoms may include:

• Dizziness
• Thirst
• Light-headedness
• Slow heartbeat
• Fainting

What to Avoid While Taking Moduretic 5-50

Certain lifestyle choices and other medications can interact negatively with Moduretic 5-50.

Avoid the following:

• Alcohol: It can increase certain side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.
• Other Medications That Cause Light-Headedness: These include cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medications for seizures, depression, or anxiety. They can increase the side effects of Moduretic 5-50. Inform your doctor if you regularly use any of these medications or any other blood pressure medications.
• Salt Substitutes and Low-Sodium Milk Products Containing Potassium: These products can lead to dangerously high potassium levels.
• High-Salt Diet: Too much salt can cause your body to retain water, reducing the effectiveness of Moduretic 5-50.

Driving and Operating Machinery: This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be cautious when driving or performing tasks that require alertness.

Dehydration and Overheating: Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding fluid intake.

Potential Side Effects of Moduretic 5-50

Moduretic 5-50 can cause side effects, some of which can be serious.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Stop using this medication and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat
• Drowsiness, restlessness, or light-headedness
• Urinating less than usual or not at all
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, tiredness, nausea, vomiting
• Shallow breathing
• Tremors, confusion
• Nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects may include:

• Mild nausea or vomiting
• Gas, stomach pain
• Skin rash

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Contact your doctor if you experience any unusual or bothersome symptoms.

Drug Interactions: What Other Medications Can Affect Moduretic 5-50?

Moduretic 5-50 can interact with several other medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking.

Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf)
• Tacrolimus (Prograf)
• Lithium
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Steroids (prednisone and others)
• A blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• Insulin or diabetes medicine taken by mouth
• An ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others
• Candesartan (Atacand), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), olmesartan (Benicar), telmisartan (Micardis), or valsartan (Diovan)
• Indomethacin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Voltaren), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), and others

This list is not exhaustive. Other drugs may interact with hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride. Always provide your doctor with a complete list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, and herbal products you are taking. Do not start any new medications without consulting your doctor.

Where to Find More Information About Moduretic 5-50

For further information about Moduretic 5-50, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

• Your pharmacist can provide additional information about hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.
• Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers and therefore does not warrant that uses outside of the country are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. This drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. We do not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Moduretic 5-50: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Moduretic 5-50?
A: It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Moduretic 5-50, as it can worsen certain side effects such as dizziness and lightheadedness.

Q: What should I do if I experience muscle cramps while taking Moduretic 5-50?
A: Muscle cramps can be a sign of electrolyte imbalance. Contact your doctor, as they may need to adjust your medication or recommend electrolyte supplements.

Q: Can Moduretic 5-50 affect my blood sugar levels?
A: Yes, hydrochlorothiazide can sometimes affect blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely and discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Q: How long does it take for Moduretic 5-50 to start working?
A: Moduretic 5-50 typically starts working within a few hours to lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention. However, it may take several weeks to achieve the full therapeutic effect.

Q: Is it safe to take Moduretic 5-50 during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A: Discuss the risks and benefits of taking Moduretic 5-50 during pregnancy or breastfeeding with your doctor. It may not be safe for everyone.

Q: Can I take Moduretic 5-50 with other blood pressure medications?
A: Moduretic 5-50 can be taken with other blood pressure medications, but it's essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

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