Indications 

Zaroxolyn is a prescribed medication used to treat salt and water retention associated with conditions such as congestive heart failure and renal diseases like nephrotic syndrome and reduced kidney function. 

Zaroxolyn is also indicated for managing hypertension as a standalone treatment or combined with other antihypertensive medications from different classes. 

Classified as a diuretic or “water pill,” Zaroxolyn functions by prompting the kidneys to enhance urine production, thereby reducing water and salt levels in the body. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before starting treatment with Zaroxolyn and with every prescription refill, carefully review the medication guide and patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any inquiries or concerns, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Zaroxolyn dosage is individualized based on the patient’s medical condition and response to the treatment. 

Typically, Zaroxolyn is taken once daily as prescribed by the doctor, without regard to food intake. 

It will be best to consume this medication at least 4 hours prior to going to sleep, as taking it too close to bedtime may necessitate waking up for urination. 

To maximize the benefits of Zaroxolyn, ensure to take it regularly, exactly as directed at around the same time each day. 

Keep taking this medication, even if you are in good health, and refrain from discontinuing it without consulting your doctor. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Zaroxolyn. Inform your doctor right away if any of them persist or worsen. 

Common Side Effects 

• Dizziness or spinning sensation 
• Drowsiness or fatigue 
• Depressed mood 
• Muscle or joint pain 
• Numbness or tingling sensation 
• Nausea, stomach pain, or reduced appetite 

• Diarrhea or constipation 

Serious Side Effects 

• Chest pain 
• Pounding heartbeats or fluttering in the chest 
• Increased susceptibility to bruising or bleeding 
• Lightheadedness, potential fainting sensation 
• Symptoms of liver problems: 
  • Nausea 
  • Upper stomach pain 
  • Itching 
  • Fatigue 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Dark urine 
  • Clay-colored stools 
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) 
• Low potassium indications:  
  • Leg cramps 
  • Constipation 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Chest fluttering 
  • Increased thirst or urination 
  • Numbness or tingling 
  • Muscle weakness 
• Symptoms of low sodium levels in the body: 
  • Headache 
  • Confusion 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Severe weakness 
  • Vomiting 
  • Loss of coordination 
  • Unsteadiness 
• Signs of an electrolyte imbalance:  
  • Dry mouth 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Weakness 
  • Drowsiness 
  • Fatigue 
  • Muscle pain 
  • Reduced urination 
  • Restlessness 
• Severe skin reaction:  
  • Fever 
  • Sore throat 
  • Facial or tongue swelling 
  • Eye burning 
  • Skin pain followed by a spreading red or purple rash, blistering, and peeling (especially on the face or upper body) 

Promptly call your doctor if you experience any of the above-listed serious side effects. 

Allergic Reactions 

In rare instances, Zaroxolyn may cause a severe allergic reaction. Promptly seek medical help if you notice any signs of allergic reactions, such as: 

• Hives 
• Difficult breathing 
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat 

Not all side effects of Zaroxolyn are included in this list. Report to your doctor any additional side effects that may occur. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Zaroxolyn, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to metolazone. 

Consult your pharmacist for further details on Zaroxolyn, as it may contain inactive components that may elicit allergic reactions or other complications. 

To ensure Zaroxolyn is safe for you, disclose to your doctor your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Kidney disease 
• Liver disease 

• Untreated mineral imbalances (e.g., sodium, potassium) 
• Gout 
• Lupus 

Some products may interact with Zaroxolyn, including cholestyramine, colestipol, diazoxide, digoxin, dofetilide, and lithium. To mitigate the risk of such interactions, inform your healthcare providers about all your medications, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

Certain products contain ingredients that may increase blood pressure or exacerbate swelling. Inform your pharmacist about the products you are currently using and seek guidance on their safe usage, particularly for: 

• Cough-and-cold remedies 
• Dietary supplements 
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen 

Cholestyramine and colestipol hinder the absorption of metolazone. Ensure a minimum 4-hour gap between Zaroxolyn and cholestyramine and at least 2 hours between Zaroxolyn and colestipol if you are on either of these medications. 

Zaroxolyn can impact blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. Regularly monitor blood sugar and inform the doctor of any symptoms. Adjustments to medication, exercise, or diet may be needed. 

The utilization of Zaroxolyn can potentially hinder certain lab tests, like parathyroid function tests, resulting in erroneous outcomes. Notify laboratory personnel and all medical practitioners about your use of this medication. 

The use of Zaroxolyn may result in dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving or using machinery until you fully know how this medication impacts you. 

Take precautions against excessive sun exposure by wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as Zaroxolyn may heighten your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. 

Rapidly transitioning from lying down to standing up during Zaroxolyn treatment may lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. This is particularly common when initiating the treatment. To mitigate this risk, slowly rise from a prone position and allow your feet to rest on the floor for a brief period before fully standing. 

The administration of Zaroxolyn during pregnancy may result in adverse effects on the newborn, including blood cell abnormalities and jaundice. Inform your healthcare provider if you are currently pregnant or planning to conceive while taking Zaroxolyn. 

Refrain from breastfeeding during the course of Zaroxolyn as its active ingredient, metolazone, has the potential to transfer to breast milk and pose a risk to an infant.