Aquatensen is used alone or together with other medicines to lower high blood pressure in hypertension. Hypertension is a very common disorder, particularly past middle age.
It is not a disease in itself but is an important risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly.
This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.
Aquatensen is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It helps reduce the amount of water in the body by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the distal tubules causing increased excretion of water.
As a result, blood pressure is decreased. This drug is usually used to treat fluid retention (edema) that is caused by congestive heart failure, severe liver disease (cirrhosis), kidney disease, or treatment with a steroid or hormone medicine.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms:
Tablet
2 What to Know Before Using
Before using Aquatensen, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. The suitable drug therapy is usually chosen by a doctor with the active participation of the patient.
There are some important factors such as drug interactions, the presence of any metabolic impairment, history of hypersensitivity reaction, pregnancy, lactation etc. which may alter the desired therapeutic effects of a medicine.
Sometimes the presence of other health disorders affects the beneficial effects of this medicine and even may cause serious toxic effects. If you have had any allergic reactions to any medicine then you must tell your doctor about that. The use of methyclothiazide is contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to this drug or any of the ingredients of the formulation.
Make sure you inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Anuria (not able to form urine)—should not be used in patients with this condition
Systemic lupus erythematosus—this medicine may make these conditions worse
Kidney disease
Liver disease—the effects of the medicine may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body
Because of drug-drug interactions, certain medicines should not be used along with this medicine. It is always recommended to consult with your doctor if you are in need of some other medications or even any over-the-counter medicine for another health problem in order to avoid unwanted toxic effects.
The following drug interactions should be kept in mind:
Concurrent administration of some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the diuretic, natriuretic and antihypertensive effects of methylclothiazide.
This drug may decrease arterial responsiveness to norepinephrine, but not enough to preclude effectiveness of the pressor agent for therapeutic use.
This medicine may increase the responsiveness to tubocurarine.
Hypokalemia may develop during concomitant use of steroids or ACTH.
Hypokalemia can sensitize or exaggerate the response of the heart to the toxic effects of digitalis (e.g., increased ventricular irritability).
Insulin requirements in diabetic patients may be increased, decreased, or unchanged.
Lithium renal clearance is reduced by methylclothiazide, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity.
There have been rare reports in the literature of hemolytic anemia occurring with the concomitant use of mathylclothiazide and methyldopa.
Animal reproduction studies have not shown any adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. But animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response.
Thus, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Besides, caution should be exercised when used in lactating women because there are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding.
3 Proper Usage
To use Aquatensen properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. The dosage schedule and the duration of drug therapy should be individualized and determined based on the physician’s advice.
The therapeutic dose may also vary with the patient’s condition or requirement and the strength of the medicine as well. This medicine comes with patient information.
You should read and follow the instructions carefully before using this medicine; however, the dosage schedule to control high blood pressure is listed below:
Adults—the usual dose is 2.5 to 10 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
Children—use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For high blood pressure:
Adults—the usual dose is 2.5 to 5 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
Children—use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.
You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.
Above all, you should use this medicine following the directions were given by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. But, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not use this drug in larger amounts, more often, or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Further, it is advised to store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
All kinds of medicines should be kept out of the reach of children. However, outdated medicines should be disposed of by an appropriate way.
4 Precautions to Take
Before using Aquatensen, there are some precautions you must take. Firstly, regular visits to your doctor are recommended to check that this medicine is working properly or not.
Additionally, the following guidelines should be followed to prevent unwanted complications as well as for the better prognosis of the patients:
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. These problems are more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for a long time, exercise, or if the weather is hot. While you are taking this medicine, be careful in the amount of alcohol you drink. Also, use extra care during exercise or hot weather or if you must stand for a long time.
This drug may decrease serum levels of protein-bound iodine without signs of thyroid disturbance. This drug should be discontinued before tests for parathyroid function are made.
This medicine may raise blood sugar levels. While you are using this medicine, be especially careful in testing for sugar in your blood or urine.
Some people who take this medicine may become more sensitive to sunlight than they are normal. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause severe sunburn; skin rash, redness, itching, or discoloration; or vision changes.
When you begin taking this medicine, you should stay out of direct sunlight. You can wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses. Also, you can apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
In addition to the use of the medicine, your doctor has prescribed, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and care in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.
Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.
Check with your doctor if you become sick and have severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These problems may cause you to lose additional water and potassium.
In addition, you should not use any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement without checking with your doctor.
5 Potential Side Effects
Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Aquatensen to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Along with the beneficial effects, this medicine may cause some unwanted effects that may not need any medical attention.
These side effects usually go away during the treatment episode as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your healthcare professional may advise you about the ways how to prevent or reduce those unwanted side effects.
Sometimes you may need to consult with the doctor if you notice any of the following toxic effects:
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