Hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)
hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide
Treats high blood pressure and fluid retention (edema). This medicine is a diuretic (water pill).
Drug classes
Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Hydrochlorothiazide is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.
Hydrochlorothiazide is also used to treat fluid retention (edema) that is caused by congestive heart failure, severe liver disease (cirrhosis), kidney disease, or treatment with a steroid or hormone medicine.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It is used to help reduce the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Liquid, Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines and foods can affect how hydrochlorothiazide works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
Cholestyramine, colestipol, digoxin, lithium, insulin or other diabetes medicine An NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib), or a steroid medicine (such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use this medicine if you had an allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide or a sulfa drug.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease or heart failure, high cholesterol, diabetes, gout, trouble urinating, or lupus.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Glaucoma and other vision problems Acute gout Damage to the parathyroid gland Low or high levels of minerals in your blood (including potassium and sodium)This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Alcohol may make this problem worse.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness or weakness, muscle cramps, confusion
Trouble seeing, eye pain, blurred vision or other vision changes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild diarrhea, constipation, nausea
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Aquazide H, Hydrocot, Microzide, Zide
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
