Metolazone Dosing

Metolazone dosing guidelines take several factors into account, such as how you respond to the drug and other medications you may be taking. The recommended starting dose for controlling high blood pressure is 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily. The recommended starting dose of metolazone for treating water retention is 5 mg to 20 mg once daily.

 

Metolazone Dosing: An Overview

The dose of metolazone (Zaroxolyn®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking
  • How you respond to metolazone.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Metolazone Dosing for High Blood Pressure

The recommended dose of metolazone for treating high blood pressure is metolazone 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily. Based on the initial blood pressure response and/or side effects of metolazone, your healthcare provider may increase or decrease your dose. With each change in dosage, it may take several weeks to see the full effects of the drug on lowering blood pressure.
 

Metolazone Dosing for Water Retention

The recommended dose of metolazone for treating water retention due to congestive heart failure (CHF) or kidney problems is metolazone 5 mg to 20 mg once daily. However, some people may not need to take the drug every day to treat water retention.
 

General Information on Dosing With Metolazone

Considerations for people taking metolazone include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day.
     
  • You can take metolazone with or without food.
     
  • Metolazone should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood. However, some people do not need to take the drug every day, especially people taking it for fluid retention.
     
  • Because metolazone increases urination, it is best to take it in the morning (to avoid having to get up to use the bathroom throughout the night), unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Metolazone will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to metolazone dosing, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;