Home Drug Guide Methyclothiazide

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Methyclothiazide

Brand Names Enduron, Aquatensen

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihypertensive, Diuretic

Pharmacological: Thiazide diuretic

FDA Approved Indications

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Fluid retention (edema)

Mechanism of Action

Methyclothiazide inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal tubules of the kidney, leading to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, and water, which decreases blood volume and blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 25 mg once daily, dosage may be adjusted based on response.

Pediatric: Use is not well-established; consult specific guidelines.

Geriatric: Start with lower doses due to potential increased sensitivity; monitor closely.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustments may be necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific adjustments well-established.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Absorbed from GI tract, bioavailability approximately 80%.

Distribution: Widely distributed; cross-reactivity with other sulfonamide drugs may occur.

Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism.

Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 4-6 hours; may be prolonged in renal impairment.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or thiazide diuretics.
  • Anuria (absence of urine production).

Precautions

  • Electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia), gout, diabetes mellitus, hepatic impairment, pregnancy/lactation, gout.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia) (Common)
  • Dizziness, weakness (Common)
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (Rare)
  • Electrolyte disturbances leading to cardiac dysrhythmias (Rare)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Lithium (risk of toxicity), other antihypertensives (additive effect), corticosteroids (potassium loss)

Drug-Food Interactions

  • High salt intake may reduce efficacy.

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, electrolyte levels, renal function, hydration status.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for electrolyte imbalance, risk for hypotension.

Implementation: Administer in the morning to prevent nocturia; monitor BP and electrolytes regularly.

Evaluation: Assess blood pressure response and electrolyte levels to gauge effectiveness and safety.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Report muscle weakness, dizziness, or palpitations.
  • Maintain adequate hydration.
  • Limit high salt intake if recommended.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: May affect glucose and electrolyte testing.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, hypotension.

Treatment: Discontinue medication, correct electrolyte imbalances, provide supportive care, initiate IV fluids if necessary.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable for 2-3 years under proper conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.