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Hi I have swelling in my lower legs.I am currently taking blood pressure med metoprolol 100 mg twice a day. doctor doubled dose 3 months ago. have had swelling in feet and lower legs past week. went to doctor this week they gave me hydrochlorothiazide 25mg. thats when i started getting cramps in legs.i stop taking it.
Based on the history given, you seem to be suffering from heart failure for which your doctor prescribed the 'water pill' hydrochlorothiazide and unfortunately its use resulted in cramps in the leg.
Hypokalemia is an important side effect of hydrochlorthiazide which appears to be responsible for the leg cramps.
So, consult your treating doctor for further workup and possible addition of potassium supplements along with hydrochlorthiazide.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
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What Does Swelling In The Lower Legs Indicate?
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Suggestive of heart failure. Based on the history given, you seem to be suffering from heart failure for which your doctor prescribed the water pill hydrochlorothiazide and unfortunately its use resulted in cramps in the leg. Hypokalemia is an important side effect of hydrochlorthiazide which appears to be responsible for the leg cramps. So, consult your treating doctor for further workup and possible addition of potassium supplements along with hydrochlorthiazide. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali