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Metolazone

  • Metolazone removes excess water from the body by making you pass water more frequently.
  • Take metolazone tablets in the morning unless you have been told otherwise.

About metolazone

Type of medicineDiuretics (often referred to as water tablets)
Used forHypertension (high blood pressure)
Oedema (fluid retention)
Also calledMetenix 5®
Available asTablets

Metolazone is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention which is often caused by heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced). It removes excess water from the body by increasing how much and how often you pass water.

Before taking metolazone

Before taking metolazone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from Addison's disease, diabetes or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder) or gout (pain and stiffness in the joints).
  • If you know you suffer from low blood potassium, low blood sodium, or high blood calcium.
  • If you have problems passing water.
  • If you have an adrenal gland disorder.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take metolazone

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take metolazone exactly as your doctor has told you to.
  • Try to take your dose at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. It is usually taken in the morning so that it works during the day and your sleep is not disturbed. If you take more than one dose per day, take the last dose before 6pm in the evening.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6pm in the evening, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual time the following day. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Many patients with high blood pressure do not feel unwell, but left untreated high blood pressure can harm the heart and arteries and damage blood vessels resulting in a heart attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney failure. It is important that you take these tablets regularly to help reduce the risk of these.
  • Diuretics like metolazone help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated, leaving you feeling thirsty, your mouth dry, and your skin looking and feeling dry. Let your doctor know if this happens.
  • It is important to follow any dietary advice that you have been given by your doctor or nurse.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so that your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with metolazone.

Can metolazone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, stomach discomfortEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. Speak to your doctor if this continues
Dizziness, particularly when getting upGetting up and moving more slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing
Loss of appetite, cramps, itchy skin, chills, and chest painIf these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store metolazone

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Metenix 5®, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised November 2005, accessed 21 August 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
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dils2818		Last Reviewed:
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