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This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: cisapride, dofetilide.

If you are currently using either of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting methyldopa with hydrochlorothiazide.

Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during and after treatment with methyldopa. In some cases a serious, possibly fatal drug interaction may occur. If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: digoxin, entacapone, iron products (e.g., ferrous sulfate), levodopa, amphetamines, quinidine, lithium, medication to lower blood sugar (e.g., glyburide, insulin), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor of any other blood pressure medications you are taking (e.g., beta blockers such as propranolol, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, diuretics such as furosemide).

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could cause drowsiness or increase your heart rate/blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., hydrocodone, codeine), psychiatric medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).

Caffeine may increase your blood pressure. Caffeine can be found in nonprescription diet medications, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Limit caffeine intake.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., matching blood, parathyroid), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: muscle weakness, muscle spasms, extreme tiredness, dizziness, stomach/abdominal pain, lightheadedness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood mineral levels such as potassium/sodium, COOMBs, blood tests, liver function tests) should be performed from time to time to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Lifestyle changes such as starting an exercise program, stopping smoking, limiting alcoholic beverages, and making diet changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Protect from freezing. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised May 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.