 Methyldopa/Chlorothiazide OralPronounced"meth-ill-DOPE-uh/klor-oh-THYE-a-zide" UsesThis medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. Methyldopa blocks certain natural chemicals (e.g., epinephrine, norepinephrine) that can raise your blood pressure. Chlorothiazide helps your body get rid of excess water. It is a "water pill" (diuretic). How to Use This MedicationTake this medication by mouth with or without food, 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor will usually start you on the individual medications, switching you over to this combination product when the best dose combination for you is found. It may take several weeks to find the right dose for you. Your doctor may recommend that you eat foods rich in potassium (e.g., bananas or orange juice) while taking this medication. Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement for you to take during treatment with this drug. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Drugs that can decrease the absorption of chlorothiazide include cholestyramine and colestipol. If you are taking either of these drugs, take this medication at least 4 hours after cholestyramine and 2 hours after colestipol. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Your doctor may adjust your dose of this medication when you start or stop taking other blood pressure medications . Learn how to monitor your blood pressure while taking this medication. This will help you and your doctor make sure the medication is working well. When this medication is used for an extended time, it may not work as well, and you may need a higher dose or a different medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well (e.g., your blood pressure readings increase.) If you have any questions regarding this information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Copyright © 2012 Aisle7. All rights reserved. Aisle7.com RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from Aisle7 and First DataBank, Inc. Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you. This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients. Learn more about First DataBank There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer. Learn more about Aisle7, the company. Learn more about the authors of Aisle7 products. Aisle7 and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content. Information expires June 2013. |
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