Type of medicine: rauwolfia alkaloid; thiazide diuretic
Generic and brand names: reserpine and polythiazide, oral
This medicine combines reserpine with a diuretic (water pill). It is taken by mouth to lower and control high blood pressure. It also removes excess salt and water from your body.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine regularly as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if you start to feel better. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually.
This medicine may increase how much and how often you urinate. Take the last dose of the day before 6 PM to avoid interrupting your sleep at night.
Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you take nonprescription medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems. They may increase your blood pressure.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: dizziness, severe drowsiness, weakness, lightheadedness, fainting, increased urination, muscle stiffness.
You may need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may make you drowsy, dizzy, or very tired. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and may cause you to sunburn more easily. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. While you are in the sun, wear protective clothing and a sunscreen lotion that has an SPF (skin protection factor) of at least 15 until you know how you will react to the sun. Do not use a tanning bed or sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
This medicine may drive potassium (a vital mineral) from your body. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a potassium-rich diet or a potassium supplement for you to take every day.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicine you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Confusion, depression, black tarry or bloody stools, chest pain, severe stomach pain, nausea, severe vomiting or diarrhea, rash, muscle cramps, dry mouth, extreme thirst, weakness, blood in urine or stools, cough or hoarseness, fever, chills, joint pain, lower back or side pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellow eyes or skin, irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, blurred vision.
Other: Dizziness, mild diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach upset, sensitivity to sun, loss of appetite, change in sexual interest or ability, stuffy nose, headache, breast swelling in men, drowsiness.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
