Dichlorphenamide Oral Tablets

What is this medication?

DICHLORPHENAMIDE (dye klor PHEN a mide) is a diuretic. It treats periodic paralysis caused by low or high potassium levels.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Keveyis

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• adrenal gland problems
• Cushing's syndrome
• liver disease
• lung or breathing disease
• regularly take aspirin
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dichlorphenamide, sulfonamides, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this drug by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medication?

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

• high-dose aspirin

This drug may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin
• certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• diuretics, like furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide
• famotidine
• laxatives
• medicines for fungal infections
• metformin
• methotrexate
• oseltamivir
• penicillin antibiotics
• probenecid
• theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not get better or if they start to get worse.

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.

You may need lab work done while taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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
• confusion
• falls
• loss of memory
• redness, blistering or peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• signs and symptoms of low potassium like muscle cramps or muscle pain; chest pain; dizziness; feeling faint or light-headed; palpitations; breathing problems; or fast, irregular heartbeat
• signs and symptoms of increased acid in the body like breathing fast; fast heartbeat; headache; confusion; feeling weak or tired; nausea, vomiting

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

• changes in taste
• diarrhea
• nausea
• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.