Metolazone

What is metolazone?

Metolazone is medicine called a diuretic. It is used to reduce the amount of salt and water in the body by increasing the flow of urine (pee). The tablet is commonly referred to as a water pill. You may also hear metolazone called by its brand name, Zaroxolyn.

How should you give your child metolazone?

Follow these instructions when giving your child metolazone:

• Give your child metolazone for as long as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, even if your child seems well. Talk to your child's doctor before you stop giving this medicine for any reason. Make sure you have enough metolazone for weekends, holidays, and vacations.
• Give your child metolazone at the same time(s) every day. Pick times that are easy for you so that you do not miss doses.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of metolazone?

If your child misses a dose of metolazone:

• Give your child the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Give your child the next dose at the regular time.
• Give your child only 1 dose at a time.

What are the possible side effects of metolazone?

Your child may have some of these side effects while they take metolazone. Usually your child will not need to see a doctor about them. These side effects may go away as your child's body gets used to metolazone. Check with your child's doctor if your child continues to have any of these signs or symptoms and they do not go away or they bother your child:

• dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• stomach cramps
• loss of appetite
• headache
• watery bowel movements (diarrhea)

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem.

Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to the Emergency Department if your child has any of these side effects:

• continued diarrhea, throwing up, feeling sick to the stomach
• dryness of mouth
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• pain in joints (for example, knees or elbows)
• increased thirst
• muscle cramps or pain
• severe tiredness or weakness
• behaviour changes
• pain in lower back or side
  

What other important information should you know about metolazone?

• Before your child has any kind of operation, even on the teeth, or an emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist that your child is taking metolazone.
• This medicine may cause the body to lose a mineral called potassium. Potassium helps control nerves and muscles. The doctor may want your child to eat foods or drink liquids that have high potassium content (such as orange juice or bananas). You should get specific instructions from your doctor since extra potassium may not be needed.
• Metolazone may make your child's skin more likely to sunburn. Make sure your child covers their skin and head with clothing and a hat. They can also use a strong sunscreen (a cream that protects the skin from the sun). Look for a sunscreen that says it protects against the sun's ultraviolet rays, called UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen should have a sun protection factor, called SPF, of at least 15. Ask your pharmacist to help you pick the right sunscreen.
• The doctor may want your child to stop taking this medicine during the times when they feel sick to the stomach, are throwing up, have watery diarrhea, or a fever that is very high or lasts for a long time. Call your child's doctor before stopping this medicine.
• Check with your child's doctor or pharmacist before you give your child any other medicines, even medicines you can buy without a doctor's order (prescription).
  

Keep metolazone out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much metolazone, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.