Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Methyldopa tablets

What is this medicine?

HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE; METHYLDOPA (hye droe klor oh THYE a zide; meth ill DOE pa) is a combination of a diuretic and another medicine used to lower blood pressure. It is used to treat high blood pressure.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• dark urine

• dizziness

• eye pain

• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

• increased hunger or thirst

• irregular heartbeat

• light-colored stools

• loss of appetite

• muscle pain or weakness, cramps

• nausea, vomiting

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• right upper belly pain

• swelling of the feet or legs

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• abnormal production of milk in females

• breast enlargement in both males and females

• change in sex drive or performance

• depressed mood

• diarrhea

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• increased sensitivity to the sun

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine also may interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• barbiturates, like phenobarbital

• cholestyramine

• colestipol

• digoxin

• diuretics

• iron salts

• lithium

• medicines for anesthesia

• medicines for blood pressure

• medicines for diabetes

• narcotic medicines used for pain

• NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• medicines used to relax muscles during surgery

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

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

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia

• diabetes

• gout

• immune system problems, like lupus

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• small amount of urine or difficulty passing urine

• taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in the last 14 days

• an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide, methyldopa, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor.

Check with your doctor if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine may make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Iron can stop the absorption of this medicine. Do not take this medicine with iron preparations or multiple vitamins containing iron. If you have to take iron, make sure that you take this medicine 2 hours before or 6 hours after the iron.