Drug Name

Hydrochlorothiazide

Drug Uses

Hydrochlorothiazide is used for treating high blood pressure. It is also used to treat fluid buildup in the body caused by certain conditions (e.g., heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney problems) or medicines (e.g., corticosteroids, estrogen). It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Hydrochlorothiazide as directed by your doctor.

• Take Hydrochlorothiazide by mouth with or without food.
• Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic. It helps the kidneys to remove fluid from the body.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Hydrochlorothiazide and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Hydrochlorothiazide between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Hydrochlorothiazide out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Hydrochlorothiazide if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Hydrochlorothiazide;
• you are unable to urinate;
• you are taking dofetilide or ketanserin.

• Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Hydrochlorothiazide with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement for you. If so, take the potassium supplement exactly as prescribed. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Hydrochlorothiazide before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to high temperatures. The risk of certain side effects (eg, low blood sodium levels) may be increased in hot weather.
• Hydrochlorothiazide may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Hydrochlorothiazide. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Hydrochlorothiazide may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
• Diabetes patients - Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests, including kidney function, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels, may be performed while you use Hydrochlorothiazide . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Hydrochlorothiazide may cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Hydrochlorothiazide while you are pregnant. Hydrochlorothiazide is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Hydrochlorothiazide, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; lightheadedness (especially when sitting up or standing); loss of appetite; nausea; temporary blurred vision.

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; dark urine; decreased urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; increased thirst; joint pain, swelling, warmth, or redness (especially of the big toe joint); mental or mood changes; muscle pain or cramps; numbness or tingling; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness; severe or persistent nausea or stomach pain; shortness of breath; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual drowsiness, restlessness, tiredness, or weakness; unusually dry mouth; vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

More Information

If you have any questions about Hydrochlorothiazide, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Hydrochlorothiazide is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.