Atropisol

Generic Name: atropine, homatropine, and scopolamine (Ophthalmic route)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• AK-Dilate


• AK-Pentolate


• Altafrin


• Atropine Care


• Cyclogyl


• Cyclomydril


• Eye Cool


• Homatropaire


• Isopto Atropine


• Isopto Homatropine


• Isopto Hyoscine


• Mydfrin


• Mydral


• Mydriacyl


• Neofrin


• Neo-Synephrine


• Paremyd

In Canada

• Ak-Dilate


• Ak-Pentolate


• Atropine


• Atropine-Ak


• Atropine Eye Ointment


• Atropine Ointment


• Atropisol


• Minims Phenylephrine Hydrochloride

Available Dosage Forms:

• Ointment


• Solution

Uses For Atropisol

Ophthalmic atropine, homatropine, and scopolamine are used to dilate (enlarge) the pupil of the eye. They are used before eye examinations, before and after eye surgery, and to treat certain eye conditions, such as uveitis or posterior synechiae.

These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using Atropisol

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Infants and young children and children with blond hair or blue eyes may be especially sensitive to the effects of atropine, homatropine, or scopolamine. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment . Children should use a lower strength of this medicine.

Geriatric

Elderly people are especially sensitive to the effects of atropine, homatropine, or scopolamine. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment.

Pregnancy

Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals. However, these medicines may be absorbed into the body.

Breast Feeding

These medicines may be absorbed into the body. Atropine passes into the breast milk in very small amounts and may cause side effects, such as fast pulse, fever, or dry skin, in babies of nursing mothers using ophthalmic atropine. It is not known whether homatropine or scopolamine passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using one of these medicines and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of medicines in this class. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Brain damage (in children) or


• Down's syndrome (mongolism) (in children and adults) or


• Glaucoma or


• Other eye diseases or problems or


• Spastic paralysis (in children)—Use of ophthalmic atropine, homatropine, or scopolamine may make the condition worse.

Proper Use of atropine, homatropine, and scopolamine

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain atropine, homatropine, and scopolamine. It may not be specific to Atropisol. Please read with care.

To use the ophthalmic solution (eye drops) form of this medicine:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 2 or 3 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.


• Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. If you are using the eye drops for an infant or child, be sure to wash his or her hands immediately afterwards also, and do not let any of the medicine get in his or her mouth. In addition, wipe off any medicine that may have accidentally gotten on the infant or child, including his or her face or eyelids.


• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

To use the ointment form of this medicine:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into this space. A 1/3- to ½;-cm (approximately ⅛-inch in infants and young children and ¼-inch in older children and adults) strip of ointment is usually enough, unless you have been told by your doctor to use a different amount. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.


• Immediately after using the eye ointment, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. If you are using the eye ointment for an infant or child, be sure to wash his or her hands immediately afterwards also, and do not let any of the medicine get in his or her mouth. In addition, wipe off any medicine that may have accidentally gotten on the infant or child, including his or her face or eyelids.


• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). After using the eye ointment, wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue and keep the tube tightly closed.

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of too much medicine being absorbed into the body and the chance of side effects. This is especially important when this medicine is used in infants and children, since overdose is very dangerous in infants and children.

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For atropine


• For ophthalmic ointment dosage form:
  
  • For uveitis:
    
    • Adults—Use a thin strip of the ointment in the eye one or two times a day.
    
    
    • Children—Use a thin strip of the ointment in the eye one to three times a day.
    
    
  
  
  • For eye examinations:
    
    • Adults—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
    • Children—Use a thin strip of the ointment in the eye three times a day for one to three days before the examination.
    
    
  
  


• For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage form:
  
  • For uveitis:
    
    • Adults—Use one drop in the eye one or two times a day.
    
    
    • Children—Use one drop in the eye one to three times a day.
    
    
  
  
  • For eye examinations:
    
    • Adults—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
    • Children—Use one drop in the eye two times a day for one to three days before the examination.
    
    
  
  

• For homatropine


• For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage form:
  
  • For uveitis:
    
    • Adults and children—Use 1 or 2 drops in the eye two or three times a day.
    
    
  
  
  • For eye examinations:
    
    • Adults—Use 1 or 2 drops in the eye. May be repeated every five to ten minutes for two or three doses.
    
    
    • Children—Use 1 or 2 drops in the eye every ten minutes for two or three doses.
    
    
  
  

• For scopolamine


• For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage form:
  
  • For uveitis:
    
    • Adults and children—Use one drop in the eye up to four times a day.
    
    
  
  
  • For eye examinations:
    
    • Adults—Use one drop in the eye one hour before the examination.
    
    
    • Children—Use one drop in the eye two times a day for two days before the examination.
    
    
  
  
  • For posterior synechiae:
    
    • Adults—Use one drop in the eye every ten minutes for three doses.
    
    
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  
  • For use before and after surgery:
    
    • Adults and children—Use one drop in the eye one to four times a day.
    
    
  
  

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose of this medicine and your dosing schedule is:

• One dose a day—Apply the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if you do not remember the missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.


• More than one dose a day—Apply the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions While Using Atropisol

After you apply this medicine to your eyes:

• Your pupils will become unusually large and you will have blurring of vision, especially for close objects. Make sure your vision is clear before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well.


• Your eyes will become more sensitive to light than they are normally. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight and other bright lights.

These effects may continue for several days after you stop using this medicine. However, check with your doctor if they continue longer than:

• 14 days if you are using atropine.


• 3 days if you are using homatropine.


• 7 days if you are using scopolamine.

Atropisol Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness


• confusion or unusual behavior


• dryness of skin


• fast or irregular heartbeat


• fever


• flushing or redness of face


• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there


• skin rash


• slurred speech


• swollen stomach in infants


• thirst or unusual dryness of mouth


• unusual drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Blurred vision


• brief burning or stinging of the eyes


• eye irritation not present before use of this medicine


• increased sensitivity of eyes to light


• swelling of the eyelids

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

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Amidate

Generic Name: Etomidate
Class: General Anesthetics, Miscellaneous
VA Class: CN203
Chemical Name: 1-(1-Phenylethyl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester
Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₁₆N₂O₂
CAS Number: 33125-97-2

Introduction

Sedative and hypnotic agent.^{1 2}

Uses for Amidate

Induction Anesthesia

Induction of general anesthesia.^{1 2 3 4 5}

Induction results in dose-related hypnotic effects (progressing from light sleep to unconsciousness).^{1 2 3 4 5 6 9}

Particularly useful in patients with compromised cardiopulmonary function because of its minimal hemodynamic effects and decreased respiratory depressant effects relative to other IV anesthetics (barbiturates, propofol).^{1 2}

Carefully weigh the potential benefits of the drug’s hemodynamic effects against the possible risks of very frequent transient skeletal muscle movements associated with etomidate therapy.^{1 2}

Maintenance Anesthesia

Maintenance anesthesia to supplement subpotent anesthetic agents (e.g., nitrous oxide and oxygen) during short-term surgical procedures (e.g., dilatation and curettage, cervical conization).^{1 2}

Amidate Dosage and Administration

General

Premedication

• 
  

  Premedication generally includes benzodiazepines (to relieve anxiety, induce light anesthesia, and produce anterograde amnesia), barbiturates (to relieve anxiety and provide sedation), and/or opiate agonists (to relieve pain), and sometimes anticholinergic agents (e.g., atropine, scopolamine) to suppress vagal reflexes and inhibit secretions.^{1 2 9 10}

  
  

Administration

IV Administration

Administer undiluted by direct IV injection.^{1 2}

Do not administer by prolonged IV infusion.^{1 2} (See Decreased Plasma Cortisol Concentrations under Cautions.)

Should be administered only by individuals experienced in the administration of general anesthetics and in the management of possible complications associated with these agents.^{1 2}

Limited data indicate that inadvertent intra-arterial administration of etomidate injections does not appear to be associated with tissue necrosis distant from the injection site; however, intra-arterial use of the drug is not recommended.^{1 2 9}

Use the larger veins of the forearm, rather than the smaller, distal hand or wrist veins to minimize pain at injection site.^{1 2}

To prevent needlestick injuries, do not recap, bend, or break needles by hand.^{1 2}

Rate of Administration

For induction of anesthesia, administer by rapid (over 30–60 seconds) IV injection in children >10 years of age and adults.^{1 2}

Dosage

Because individual response is variable, adjust dosage according to individual requirements and response, age, physical and clinical status, underlying pathologic conditions (e.g., shock, intestinal obstruction, malnutrition, anemia, burns, advanced malignancy, ulcerative colitis, uremia, alcoholism), and the type and amount of premedication or concomitant medication(s).^{1 2 9} Titrate dosage according to clinical effect.⁹

Pediatric Patients

Induction Anesthesia

IV

Children >10 years of age: 0.3 mg/kg (0.2–0.6 mg/kg).^{1 2 9}

Maintenance Anesthesia

IV

Use smaller increments than those used for induction.^{1 2}

Adults

Induction Anesthesia

IV

0.3 mg/kg (0.2–0.6 mg/kg).^{1 2 9}

Maintenance Anesthesia

IV

Use smaller increments than those used for induction.^{1 2}

Special Populations

Geriatric Patients

Geriatric patients may require lower dosages than younger patients because of pharmacokinetic differences.²

Cautions for Amidate

Contraindications

• 
  

  Known hypersensitivity to etomidate.^{1 2}

  
  

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Decreased Plasma Cortisol Concentrations

Decreased plasma concentrations of cortisol (which usually persist for 6–8 hours and are unresponsive to stimulation by corticotropin [ACTH]) may occur with 0.3-mg/kg induction doses.^{1 2 3 4 5 6}

Because of the danger of prolonged suppression of endogenous cortisol and aldosterone secretion from the adrenal cortex, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that etomidate not be administered as a continuous IV infusion.^{1 2 6}

Although decreased plasma concentrations of cortisol have not been associated with changes in vital signs or increased mortality rate, concern exists in patients undergoing severe stress;^{1 2} consider administration of exogenous corticosteroids in such patients.^{1 2}

General Precautions

Musculoskeletal Effects

Transient skeletal muscle movements occur frequently (32%; range 23–63%).^{1 2}

Most are mild to moderate in severity, although disturbing movements occur occasionally.^{1 2}

Disturbing movements have been classified as myoclonic (74%), tonic (10%), ocular (9%), and averting movements (7%).^{1 2}

Movements may be bilateral (of arms, legs, shoulders, neck, chest wall, trunk, and/or all extremities, with one or more muscle groups predominating), with EEG suggesting that they are manifestations of cortical disinhibition in the absence of evidence of seizure activity.^{1 2} Alternatively, muscle movements may be unilateral, or predominate on one side, or a mixture of bilateral and unilateral types.^{1 2}

Administration of 0.1 mg of IV fentanyl immediately before induction may minimize incidence of skeletal muscle movements. ^{1 2 10}

Labor and Delivery

Since safety of the drug during labor and delivery has not been fully elucidated, use is not recommended during labor and delivery, including cesarean section.^{1 2}

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category C.^{1 2}

Lactation

Not known whether IV etomidate is distributed into milk.^{1 2} Use with caution.^{1 2}

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of etomidate for induction anesthesia or maintenance anesthesia (to supplement subpotent anesthetic agents during surgical procedures) in children <10 years of age have not been established.^{1 2 10}

Geriatric Use

Cardiac depression (decreased heart rate and cardiac index) and decreased mean arterial BP may occur in geriatric patients, especially those with hypertension.²

Since geriatric patients may have decreased renal function, monitor renal function and select dosage carefully.² (See Special Populations under Dosage and Administration and see Renal Impairment under Cautions.)

Renal Impairment

Substantially excreted by the kidneys.² The risk of severe adverse reactions may be increased in patients with impaired renal function.²

Common Adverse Effects

Injection site pain, eye movement, skeletal muscle movements (e.g., myoclonic, averting, tonic, eye). ^{1 2 3 4 9}

Interactions for Amidate

Specific Drugs

Drug	Interaction	Comments
CNS depressants (e.g., anesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, opiate agonists)	Additive pharmacologic effect1 2 10	Consider dosage reduction1 2 10
Neuromuscular blocking agents	Etomidate does not alter usual dosage requirements of neuromuscular blocking agents1 2

Amidate Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Onset

Following IV administration, rapid onset of action;^{1 2 3 4 5 6} loss of consciousness occurs usually within 1 minute.^{1 2 4 9}

Duration

Dose dependent.^{1 2} Following IV administration of average doses (0.3 mg/kg), duration of hypnosis is short (about 3–5 minutes).^{1 2} Recovery from anesthesia is at least as fast as with thiopental,^{1 2} but slower than that associated with propofol.⁹

Plasma Concentrations

Minimal hypnotic plasma concentrations are at least 0.23 mcg/mL.^{1 2}

Distribution

Extent

Rapidly distributed from blood into CNS with substantial tissue uptake.^{3 4}

Elimination

Metabolism

Rapidly metabolized in the liver, principally by hydrolysis, to etomidate carboxylic acid,^{1 2 3 4 8} which appears to be pharmacologically inactive.⁴

Elimination Route

Excreted in urine (75%) within 24 hours, mainly (about 80%) as the carboxylic acid metabolite;^{1 2 4} 13 and 10% of a dose are excreted in feces and bile, respectively.⁴

Half-life

About 1.25–5 hours.^{1 2 3 4 8}

Special Populations

Elimination half-life approximately doubled in patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices.^{1 2}

Stability

Storage

Parenteral

Injection

15–30°C.^{1 2}

Do not use the injection unless the solution is clear and the container undamaged.^{1 2}

Discard unused portion.^{1 2}

Compatibility

For information on systemic interactions resulting from concomitant use, see Interactions.

Parenteral

Drug Compatibility

Y-Site CompatibilityHID

Compatible
Alfentanil HCl
Atracurium besylate
Atropine sulfate
Ephedrine sulfate
Fentanyl citrate
Lidocaine HCl
Lorazepam
Midazolam HCl
Mivacurium chloride
Morphine sulfate
Pancuronium bromide
Phenylephrine HCl
Succinylcholine chloride
Sufentanil citrate
Incompatible
Ascorbic acid injection
Vecuronium bromide

ActionsActions

• 
  

  Structurally unrelated to other currently available IV anesthetics.⁶

  
  


• 
  

  Enhances the activity of GABA, the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS,^{6 7} by interacting with the GABA_A receptor complex.^{6 7}

  
  


• 
  

  Capable of producing all levels of CNS depression—from light sleep to deep coma—depending on the dosage.⁹

  
  


• 
  

  Has no analgesic activity.^{1 2 4}

  
  


• 
  

  Substantial changes on the EEG appear to occur following induction doses.^{3 4 9} The EEG changes are indicative of the various stages of anesthesia and appear to be similar to those occurring following induction of anesthesia with barbiturates.^{3 4}

  
  


• 
  

  May decrease cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure.^{1 3 9}

  
  


• 
  

  Causes minimal hemodynamic changes⁹ and is associated with a decreased incidence and severity of cardiovascular effects compared with other IV anesthetic agents.^{3 4 5 6 10}

  
  


• 
  

  Minor increases in cardiac index and slight decreases in heart rate, systemic vascular resistance, and arterial BP reported.⁹

  
  


• 
  

  Equivalent induction doses of etomidate cause less respiratory depression than propofol or barbiturates.⁹

  
  


• 
  

  Increases in carbon dioxide tension (PCO₂) reported.^{1 2}

  
  


• 
  

  Usually reduces intraocular pressure (IOP).^{1 2}

  
  

Advice to Patients

• 
  

  Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs.^{1 2}

  
  


• 
  

  Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.¹

  
  


• 
  

  Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)

  
  

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Etomidate

Routes	Dosage Forms	Strengths	Brand Names	Manufacturer
Parenteral	Injection, for IV use	2 mg/mL (20 and 40 mg)*	Amidate (with propylene glycol 35% v/v; available as single-use ampuls, Abboject syringes, and vials)	Hospira
			Etomidate Injection (with propylene glycol 35% v/v; available as preservative-free single-use vials)	Bedford

Disclaimer

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions February 2008. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

References

1. Bedford Laboratories. Etomidate injection prescribing information. Bedford, OH; 2004 Mar.

2. Abbott. Amidate (etomidate) injection prescribing information. North Chicago, IL; 1999.

3. Batjer HH. Cerebral protective effects of etomidate: experimental and clinical aspects. Cerebrovasc Brain Metab Rev. 1993; 5:17-32. [PubMed 8452760]

4. Giese JL Stanley TH. Etomidate: a new intravenous anesthetic induction agent. Pharmacotherapy. 1983; 3:251-8. [IDIS 177903] [PubMed 6359080]

5. Preziosi P, Vacca M. Adrenocortical suppression and other endocrine effects of etomidate: minireview. Life Sci. 1988; 42:477- 89. [PubMed 3276997]

6. Carmichael FJ, Haas DA. General Anesthetics. In: Kalant H and Roschlau WH, eds. Principles of Medical Pharmacology. 6th edition. New York: Oxford University Press; 1998:278-92.

7. Hales TG, Olsen RW. Basic pharmacology of intravenous induction agents. In: Bowdle TA, Horita A, Kharasch ED. The pharmacologic basis of anesthesiology. New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1994:295-306.

8. Henthorn TK. Pharmacokinetics of intravenous induction agents. In: Bowdle TA, Horita A, Kharasch ED. The pharmacologic basis of anesthesiology. New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1994:307-9.

9. Fragen RJ. Clinical pharmacology and applications of intravenous anesthetic induction agents. In: Bowdle TA, Horita A, Kharasch ED. The pharmacologic basis of anesthesiology. New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1994:319-36.

10. Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL: Personal communication.

HID. Trissel LA. Handbook on injectable drugs. 14th ed. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007:647-8.

More Amidate resources

• Amidate Side Effects (in more detail)
• Amidate Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Amidate Drug Interactions
• Amidate Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Amidate - Add your own review/rating

• Amidate Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Amidate MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Etomidate Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Etomidate Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Amidate with other medications

• Anesthesia

methyclothiazide

Generic Name: methyclothiazide (METH i kloe THYE a zide)

Brand names: Aquatensen, Enduron

What is methyclothiazide?

Methyclothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Methyclothiazide treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or kidney disorders, or edema caused by taking steroids or estrogen. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Methyclothiazide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about methyclothiazide?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to methyclothiazide or if you are unable to urinate.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, asthma or allergies, gout, diabetes, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of methyclothiazide.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

There are many other medicines that can interact with methyclothiazide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking methyclothiazide?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to methyclothiazide, or if you are unable to urinate.

Before using methyclothiazide, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;


• liver disease;


• 
  

  asthma or allergies;

  
  


• 
  

  gout;

  
  


• 
  

  diabetes; or

  
  


• 
  

  an allergy to sulfa drugs.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take methyclothiazide.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Methyclothiazide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take methyclothiazide?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Your blood and urine may both be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.

Methyclothiazide can interfere with the results of a thyroid test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using a thiazide diuretic.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store the tablets at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.

See also: Methyclothiazide dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, thirst, confusion, leg discomfort, and muscle pain, weakness, or limp feeling.

What should I avoid while taking methyclothiazide?

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of methyclothiazide.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Methyclothiazide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• 
  

  dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting;

  
  


• 
  

  feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed;

  
  


• 
  

  fast or uneven heartbeat;

  
  


• 
  

  muscle pain or weakness;

  
  


• 
  

  urinating less than usual;

  
  


• 
  

  numbness or tingly feeling;

  
  


• 
  

  a red, blistering, peeling skin rash;

  
  


• 
  

  jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

  
  


• 
  

  pancreatitis (severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate).

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

• 
  

  mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;;

  
  


• 
  

  diarrhea;

  
  


• 
  

  constipation; or

  
  


• 
  

  blurred vision.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Methyclothiazide Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

2.5 to 5 mg orally once a day.

Usual Adult Dose for Edema:

2.5 to 10 mg once a day.

What other drugs will affect methyclothiazide?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• 
  

  lithium;

  
  


• 
  

  digoxin (Lanoxin);

  
  


• 
  

  steroids (prednisone and others);

  
  


• 
  

  other blood pressure medications; or

  
  


• 
  

  insulin or diabetes medicine taken by mouth.

  
  

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with methyclothiazide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More methyclothiazide resources

• Methyclothiazide Side Effects (in more detail)
• Methyclothiazide Dosage
• Methyclothiazide Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Methyclothiazide Drug Interactions
• Methyclothiazide Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Methyclothiazide - Add your own review/rating

• methyclothiazide Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Methyclothiazide Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Methyclothiazide MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare methyclothiazide with other medications

• Edema
• High Blood Pressure

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about methyclothiazide.

See also: methyclothiazide side effects (in more detail)

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