Hydrochlorothiazide

💊 What is Hydrochlorothiazide used for?

• •The label says it is used as an add-on treatment for swelling (edema) linked to congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and corticosteroid or estrogen therapy. It has also been found useful for swelling from certain kidney problems, such as nephrotic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis, and chronic renal failure. It is also used to manage hypertension, either alone or to help other blood pressure medicines work better in more severe cases.

How it works

The label describes hydrochlorothiazide as a diuretic (a medicine that increases urine output) and an antihypertensive (a blood pressure medicine). It does not explain its mechanism in more detail.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says therapy should be individualized to each patient's response, and that the smallest dose needed to get the desired response should be used. For swelling, the label says some patients respond to intermittent schedules, such as every other day or 3 to 5 days a week. For children, the label gives dosing based on body weight, which is set by a prescriber. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •Tablets for oral use containing 12.5 mg, 25 mg, or 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. The 12.5 mg tablets described on this label are peach-colored, round, and debossed 'EP' above '155'.

⚠️ Hydrochlorothiazide side effects

🛑 Who should not take Hydrochlorothiazide, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have anuria (the kidneys make little or no urine), according to the label.
• 🚨You have had a hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to hydrochlorothiazide or to other sulfonamide-derived drugs, according to the label.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •The label says to use caution with severe kidney disease, impaired liver function, or progressive liver disease.
• •The label says to use caution if you have a history of sensitivity reactions, with or without allergy or bronchial asthma.
• •The label says lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) has been reported to be worsened or triggered by this type of medicine.
• •The label says diabetes may need changes to insulin or oral diabetes medicines, and that latent diabetes may appear during treatment.
• •The label says high uric acid levels and gout attacks may occur with thiazides.
• •The label says a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy may be a risk factor for acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• •The label advises protecting your skin from the sun and having regular skin cancer screening, because hydrochlorothiazide is associated with an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer.
• •The label says routine use of diuretics during normal pregnancy is inappropriate. Thiazides are used in pregnancy when swelling is due to medical causes.
• •Tell your prescriber about all your medicines, because the label mentions interactions with other blood pressure medicines and with lithium.

🔀 Hydrochlorothiazide with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Lithium: the label says lithium generally should not be given with diuretics.
• •Other antihypertensive drugs: the label says thiazides may add to or increase the effect of other blood pressure medicines.
• •Alcohol, barbiturates, and narcotics: the label says these may worsen low blood pressure (hypotension) caused by this medicine.
• •Digitalis (heart medicine): the label says low potassium from this medicine may increase heart rhythm problems and make the heart more sensitive to digitalis toxicity.
• •Insulin or oral diabetes medicines: the label says dose adjustments may be needed.

Alcohol and food

The label says alcohol may worsen low blood pressure (hypotension) caused by this medicine. The label does not give specific food instructions.

🤰 Hydrochlorothiazide in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says routine use of diuretics during normal pregnancy is inappropriate and exposes mother and fetus to unnecessary hazard. Thiazides are indicated in pregnancy when edema is due to pathologic causes. Dependent edema in pregnancy is usually treated with leg elevation and support stockings, according to the label.

Breastfeeding

The label does not say.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) and to dispense in a well-closed container with a child-resistant closure. Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says the most common signs of overdose are caused by electrolyte depletion (low potassium, low chloride, low sodium) and dehydration from excessive urination. If digitalis was also taken, low potassium may worsen heart rhythm problems. The label says treatment is symptomatic and supportive, and may include inducing vomiting or stomach washing, correcting dehydration and electrolyte problems, and giving oxygen or artificial breathing if needed.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Hydrochlorothiazide

• What dose is right for my condition, and should I take it every day or on a set schedule?
• How will you check my potassium, sodium, and kidney function while I take this?
• Am I at risk for low blood pressure, dizziness, or falls with this medicine?
• Does this medicine interact with my other medicines, including lithium or blood pressure medicines?
• What should I do about sun protection and skin checks while taking this medicine?
• What eye symptoms should make me call for help right away?
• What should I do if I think I took too much?

❓ Hydrochlorothiazide: frequently asked questions