Metolazone Oral Tablet

This dosage information is for metolazone oral tablet. All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your doctor will tell you what dosage is right for you. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:

• your age
• the condition being treated
• how severe your condition is
• other medical conditions you have
• how you react to the first dose

Forms and strengths

Generic: metolazone

• Form: Oral tablet
• Strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

Brand: Zaroxolyn

• Form: Oral tablet
• Strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

Dosage for hypertension

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

The usual dose for mild to moderate hypertension is 2.5–5 mg by mouth, once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This medicine hasn’t been studied in children and shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.

Dosage for edema

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

The usual dose for edema is 5–20 mg by mouth, once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This medicine hasn’t been studied in children and shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.

Special considerations

People with kidney disease: If you have kidney disease, you may need a lower dose or you may need a different dosing schedule. Metolazone is removed from your body by your kidneys. It can build up in your body if your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should. This can lead to toxicity.

People with heart disease: If you have heart disease or decreased heart function you may need a lower dose or you may need a different dosing schedule.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Metolazone oral tablet is used for short-term or long-term therapy. For swelling and water retention in your legs and arms, metolazone is used as short-term therapy. For high blood pressure, it’s used as long-term therapy. It comes with serious risks if you don't take it as prescribed.

If you don't take it at all: If you don’t take metolazone at all, your blood pressure or edema, or both, might not be controlled. This may lead to a heart attack, stroke, pain, or infection.

If you stop taking it suddenly: If you’re taking metolazone for high blood pressure and suddenly stop taking it, you may experience rebound high blood pressure. This is a sudden increase in your blood pressure after you stop taking your blood pressure medication. Symptoms of rebound hypertension include headache, confusion, chest pain, sweating, nausea, and vomiting.

If you don't take it on schedule: If you don’t take metolazone according to the schedule for your doses, it may not work as well. In order for this drug to work, you need a consistent amount of it in your body at all times.

If you take too much: Taking too much metolazone can cause dizziness, drowsiness, fainting spells, low blood pressure when you stand up, changes in your electrolytes, and trouble breathing. If you think you have taken too much metolazone, you should go to the nearest emergency room or contact poison control right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless you remember just a few hours before the time for your next dose. Then only take one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in toxic side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: You may or may not be able to tell if metolazone is working; however, your doctor will check your blood pressure and fluid volume regularly to see if they’re at normal levels and controlled. You also may purchase a blood pressure monitor from your local pharmacy so that you can check your blood pressure yourself.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes metolazone oral tablet for you.

General

• Metolazone can be taken with or without food.
• Metolazone should be taken early in the day. This helps to avoid frequent urination throughout the night.
• Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead.

Storage

• Keep it between 68°F (20ºC) and 77°F (25°C).
• Don’t freeze metolazone.
• Keep it away from light and high temperature.
• Keep your drugs away from areas where they could get wet, such as bathrooms. Store these drugs away from moisture and damp locations.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

• Always carry your medication with you, such as in your carry-on bag.
• Don’t worry about airport x-ray machines. They can’t hurt your medication.
• You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you.
• Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Self-management

You may need to buy a blood pressure monitor. These can be purchased at most pharmacies.

Clinical monitoring

While you’re taking metolazone, your doctor will regularly monitor your electrolyte levels, blood sugar level, blood acid levels, calcium levels, heart function, liver function, and kidney function.

Sun sensitivity

Metolazone can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This increases your risk of sunburn. Avoid the sun if you can. If you can’t, be sure to wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen.

Insurance

Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

There are other drugs available. Some may be better for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.