Metenix 5

How does it work?

Metolazone is known as a thiazide diuretic. Thiazide diuretics act in the kidney to remove water from the blood into the urine. They do this by increasing the removal of salts such as potassium and sodium from the blood. These salts draw water out of the blood alongside them. Removing water from the blood decreases the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. Decreasing the volume of fluid results in a drop in the pressure of the fluid within the blood vessels. This helps to lower high blood pressure. Metolazone is also used in conditions such as heart failure, liver and kidney disease, which can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the body (oedema). The loss of fluid caused by metolazone relieves the symptoms of oedema such as swelling of the legs. The drop in fluid volume in the body and blood vessels also decreases the effort required by the heart to pump blood around the body. This is a useful effect in heart failure, where the pumping mechanism of the heart is less effective.

What is it used for?

Blood poisoning (toxaemia) in pregnancy

Fluid collection in abdomen (ascites)

High blood pressure

Swelling due to excess fluid retention (oedema)

Warning!

It is recommended that blood tests are performed regularly to monitor the level of potassium in the blood. If this level is too low, potassium supplements may be required.

Use with caution in

Diabetes

Gout

Kidney disease

Liver cirrhosis

People on a low salt (sodium) diet

Severe cardiovascular disease

Not to be used in

Deficiency in the concentration of salts in the blood (electrolyte deficiency)

Failure of the kidneys to produce urine (anuria)

Liver cirrhosis that is causing the patient to become unconscious(precomatose state)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia)

Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)

Low blood sodium level (hyponatraemia)

Low blood magnesium level (hypomagnesaemia)

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

High blood uric acid level (hyperuricaemia) which can cause kidney problems and gout

Dizziness

Loss of appetite

Decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood (leucopenia)

Chest pain

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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