Oretic: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Main ingredient in Oretic is Hydrochlorothiazide. Oretic is a type of drugs classified as Thiazide diuretics, also known as "water pills" used to lower the amount of water in the body.

Oretic is given to treat high blood pressure, kidney problems, cirrhosis, salt, and fluid retention as well as congestive heart failure. Thiazide diuretics like Oretic increase urine production in the kidney by altering the movement of sodium and chloride in it. In doing so Thiazide diuretics like Oretic may increase the blood sugar. Thiazide diuretics like Oretic are often taken in combination with other drugs to treat high blood pressure.

ORETIC SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects of Oretic may include dizziness, fatigue, frequent urination, dry mouth, anxiety, muscle cramps, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, increase in blood sugar and uric acid levels. Rare side effects of Oretic may include allergic reactions, upset stomach, appetite loss, constipation, cough, depression, diarrhea, drowsiness, hives, impotence, indigestion, light-headedness, liver disorders, rash, hypersensitivity to light, sore throat, vertigo, and weight loss.

ORETIC CAUTION

Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, gout, lupus, kidney or liver disease or low levels of potassium before using Oretic.

Avoid using Oretic if you are allergic or sensitive to Oretic or other sulfa drugs.

Tell your dentist you are taking Oretic before any dental procedure.

Thiazide diuretics like Oretic may cause dizziness and fatigue.

Thiazide diuretics like Oretic may cause hypersensitivity to sunlight.

Use caution when using sauna or hot bath. It may cause dizziness, fainting, vomiting and sudden drop in blood pressure.

Thiazide diuretics like Oretic may result in loosing too much salt and potassium, especially among elderly women.

Thiazide diuretics like Oretic should not be taken with lithium, as that could increase the risk of lithium poisoning.

ORETIC INTERACTIONS

Check with your physician before combining Oretic with the following:

Alcohol
Blood thinners
Decongestant drugs (allergy, cold, and sinus medicines)

Diabetic drugs
Lithium
Norepinephrine
NSAIDs like Aleve or Ibuprofen

High blood pressure medications
Potassium supplements may be needed

Herbs that increase blood pressure like ephedra, ginseng, and saw palmetto. Other herbs may also interfere, check with your doctor before combining them with Oretic.

ORETIC AND PREGNANCY

If you are or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before using Oretic.
As Oretic may appear in breast milk, nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Oretic.

ORETIC DOSES

ADULT

25-200 mg daily.

CHILDREN

Not recommended.

ORETIC OVERDOSE

Symptoms of Oretic overdose may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, urinary problems and drowsiness. If you suspect Oretic overdose, seek medical help right away.

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