ORETIC STORAGE
Store oretic tablets at room temperature away from moisture and
sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
ORETIC USES
Oretic is a "water pill" (diuretic) that decreases the
amount of water in the body by increasing urination. It is used
to decrease body fluid and swelling of the hands or feet (edema),
and for high blood pressure.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ORETIC
This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during
the first few days as your body adjusts to it. Rise slowly from
a seated or lying position to minimize the dizziness or lightheadedness.
Blurred vision, loss of appetite, itching, stomach upset, headache
and weakness may also occur during initial therapy as your body
adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen,
notify your doctor promptly. Inform your doctor promptly if you
develop: muscle cramps, weakness, pain, nausea, vomiting. In the
unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek
immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
ORETIC PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially about: gout,
diabetes, liver problems, urinary problems, any allergies (especially
to sulfa medications). Thiazide diuretics may increase sensitivity
to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you become sun sensitive,
use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This
medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Thiazide diuretics
appear in breast milk. Though there have been (to date) no reports
of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
ORETIC DRUG NTERACTIONS
Oretic is not recommended for use with: dofetilide. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more details. Inform your doctor about all the
medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription),
especially if you take: lithium, digoxin, oral drugs used for
diabetes, aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), fluconazole.
If you take colestipol or cholestyramine for high cholesterol,
take the diuretic 1 hour before or 4 hours after because of decreased
absorption into the bloodstream. Avoid any drugs that increase
your heart rate or make you excited like decongestants because
it may counter-act your blood pressure medicine. Decongestants
are commonly found in over the counter cough-and-cold products.
Ask your pharmacist if you are uncertain about decongestants in
over-the-counter products. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
ORETIC OVERDOSE
If overdose of oretic is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include unconsciousness, nausea/vomiting, weakness, slow or
shallow breathing, dizziness, confusion, unusually slow heartbeat,
seizures, drowsiness, or fainting.
NOTES
Do not share this medication with others. Oretic may reduce the
potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about increasing
your dietary potassium. Salt substitutes contain potassium and
may be beneficial. Sometimes a potassium supplement medication
will be prescribed by your doctor.
MISSED DOSE OF ORETIC
If you miss a dose of oretic tablet, take it as soon as remembered;
do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip
the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
"double-up" the dose to catch up.