guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide Health Article

Generic name(s):

guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide

Brand name(s):

guanethidine-hydrochlorothiazide, Esimil

What is the most important information I should know about guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide?

Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide may make you feel dizzy. Do not stop taking guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide suddenly. Even if you feel better, you need this medication to control your condition. Stopping suddenly could cause severe high blood pressure, anxiety, and other dangerous side effects.

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having surgery.

What is guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide?

Guanethidine lowers blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. This allows your blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and your heart to beat more slowly and easily.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It helps to lower your blood pressure and decrease edema (swelling) by increasing the amount of salt and water you lose in your urine.

Guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure.

Guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide?

Do not take guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide if you have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics. You may have an allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide.

You must not take guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide if you

• have pheochromocytoma;

• have congestive heart failure; or

• are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• peptic ulcer disease (stomach ulcers) or other stomach problems,

• ulcerative colitis,

• gallstones,

• kidney or liver disease,

• diabetes,

• gout,

• a collagen vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus,

• high levels of cholesterol or triglyceride (types of fat) in your blood,

• pancreatitis,

• asthma, or

• any type of heart disease.

You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide if you have any of these conditions.

Guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide has not been approved for use by children.

How should I take guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide?

Take guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Do not stop taking guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide. Stopping suddenly could make your condition much worse or cause very serious side effects.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a guanethidine and hydrochlorothiazide overdose include low blood pressure (fainting, dizziness, weakness); sleepiness; uncontrollable hand, leg, or arm movements; a slow pulse; low body temperature; diarrhea; increased urination; vomiting, and slow breathing.