Demadex Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Demadex is a diuretic drug. It flushes excess water from the body by promoting the production of urine. Demadex is prescribed to reduce the water retention and swelling that often accompany congestive heart failure, chronic kidney failure, and cirrhosis of the liver. It is also prescribed for high blood pressure, either alone or with other medications.

Demadex Dosage

• The usual starting dose is 5 milligrams once a day. If your blood pressure is still too high after 4 to 6 weeks, the doctor may increase the dose to 10 milligrams once a day. If that isn't sufficient, the doctor will add another drug to the regimen.

Uses of Demadex

• This drug is a diuretic. Diuretics is used to decrease the amount of water retained in the body by increasing urination.
• This drug is used to treat edema (fluid retention of the lungs or swelling of the hands or feet) and high blood pressure.

Side Effects of Demadex

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Demadex.Side effects may include:

• Excessive urination, dizziness, headache.

Warnings and precautions before taking Demadex:

• If you have cirrhosis, the doctor will use Demadex with great caution. The fluid and chemical imbalance that the drug can cause could send you into a coma.
• Demadex may cause ringing in the ears and potential hearing loss, especially when large doses are given quickly.
• In addition to potential imbalances in potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and nitrogen, Demadex is known to cause a slight increase in blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
• This is a powerful fluid-reducing drug. Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Therefore, it is important you be monitored by your doctor. Promptly notify your doctor if you become very thirsty, have a dry mouth, or become confused while using this medication.
• This is a very potent medication. Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Therefore, it is important that you are closely monitored by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you become very thirsty or confused, or develop muscle cramps/weakness while taking this medication.

Drug Interaction :- If Demadex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Demadex with the following:

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as Nebcin and streptomycin
  
• Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Indocin,
• ibuprofen, and Naprosyn
  
• Cholestyramine (Questran)
  
• Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
  
• Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
  
• Probenecid

Overdose

An overdose of Demadex is likely to cause dehydration, chemical imbalances in the body, and a reduction in the volume of blood. Warning signs are those listed under "Most important fact about Demadex." If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• fainting
• a severe decrease in amount of urine
• severe weakness