About Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription medication used primarily to treat high blood pressure, which in turn can help prevent many serious conditions such as stroke and heart attack. It is a water pill, or diuretic, that works by helping the kidneys remove fluids from the body. Hydrocholorothiazide is available in generic form and under several brand names, including Esidrex, Oretic, Apo-Hydro, Dichlotride and Hydrodiuril.

How To Take It

• Hydrochlorothiazide is taken orally in pill form, usually once a day, and can be taken with or without food. Dosage is based on the condition it is treating. It is best not to take hydrochlorothiazide within four hours of going to bed because it may make you have to go to the bathroom.

Uses

• Although hydrochlorothiazide is most often used as a treatment for high blood pressure, it can be used to treat several other conditions. It can be prescribed for treating edema, or excessive fluid buildup in the body, caused by kidney or liver disease or heart failure. In these cases, it reduces swelling in the hands, legs and abdomen and can help make breathing easier. In some cases, hydrochlorothiazide may also be prescribed to prevent the formation of calcium kidney stones.

Side Effects

• People taking hydrochlorothiazide may experience dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when standing from a sitting or laying position; diarrhea; constipation; nausea; loss of appetite; and temporary blurred vision. None of these side effects are cause for concern. However, contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects that may indicate a complication: decreased urination; dark urine; mental confusion; increased thirst; fever, chills or persistent sore throat; fast or irregular heartbeat; fainting; joint pain, warmth, redness or swelling, especially in the big toe; vomiting; jaundice; mood changes; muscle cramps or pain; red, swollen or peeling skin; seizures; tingling or numbness; severe dizziness; unusual bleeding or bruising; shortness of breath; unusually dry mouth; or unusual drowsiness, weakness or restlessness.

Warnings

• Hydrochlorothiazide is not safe for people with severe kidney disease and may not be safe for people with liver disease, dehydration, a salt or mineral imbalance, lupus, gout or high cholesterol or triglyceride levels. In people with diabetes, hydrochlorothiazide can affect blood sugar levels and may need to be monitored more carefully. It can also lower potassium levels and increase light sensitivity.

Drug Interactions

• Several drugs may interact with hydrochlorothiazide and decrease their effectiveness or increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects. The effectiveness of diabetes drugs may be decreased by hydrochlorothiazide; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colestipol and cholestyramine may decrease the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide. Drugs including ketanserin, digoxin and dofetilide increase the risk of an irregular heartbeat; barbiturates and corticosteroids increase the risk of experiencing the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide.