About metolazone
Thiazide-like diuretic
Used for
- Treats fluid retention from heart failure or kidney disease.
- May be used with other medicines for high blood pressure.
Usual adult dose
Fluid retention: usually 5–20 mg once daily. High blood pressure: usually 2.5–5 mg once daily.
Usual dose in children
Not routinely used in children; dosing is specialist-directed.
Common side effects
- Frequent urination, dizziness, or headache
- Low potassium, sodium, or magnesium
- Dehydration or low blood pressure
- Raised uric acid or blood sugar
Important warnings
- Can cause serious dehydration and electrolyte changes; blood tests may be needed.
- Use caution with kidney or liver problems, gout, diabetes, or lupus.
- Seek urgent care for fainting, severe weakness, confusion, or very little urine.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; it may affect fluid and electrolyte balance. Pregnancy-specific risks require clinician assessment.
Breastfeeding
Information is limited; it may reduce milk supply. Use requires clinician assessment.
Interactions
- Lithium: may raise lithium levels and toxicity risk.
- Digoxin: low potassium can increase abnormal heart rhythm risk.
- Other blood-pressure medicines: may increase dizziness or low blood pressure.
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may reduce diuretic effects and affect kidney function.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.