Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Methyldopa Oral Tablets

What is this medication?

HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE; METHYLDOPA (hye droe klor oh THYE a zide; meth ill DOE pa) is a combination of 2 medicines that treat high blood pressure.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aldoril, Aldoril D

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

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

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. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. 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:

• 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

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?

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.

Talk to your health care professional about your risk of skin cancer. You may be more at risk for skin cancer if you take this medicine.

This medicine can 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 increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

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.

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
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• chest pain
• dark urine
• dizziness
• eye pain
• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
• 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
• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.
• swelling of the feet or legs
• trouble passing urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak
• 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

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). Protect from light. 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.