Uses for Hydrochlorot

Hydrochlorot is a trade name for the prescription medication hydrochlorothiazide. Doctors prescribe this oral drug to treat hypertension and water retention related to other health conditions. The amount of hydrochlorothiazide your physician prescribes will depend on the type of condition you are taking the medication for. As with other prescription medications, hydrochlorothiazide poses the risk of side effects. Consult your physician about any concerns you have regarding this medication, and don't change the dosage on your own.

Water Retention

• Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, meaning that it reduces water retention. Water retention, or edema, has a number of causes, from increased salt intake to an underlying medical condition. Hydrochlorothiazide works directly through the kidneys to remove water and salt. Drugs.com says your physician may use this medication to remove accumulated fluid associated with hypertension, kidney disease, liver problems and heart failure.

Hypertension

• Hypertension is the technical name for high blood pressure. Hypertension in younger adults is often linked to heredity and an unhealthy lifestyle. The Mayo Clinic explains that hydrochlorothiazide is used to reduce blood pressure by helping the body eliminate excess amounts of salt. Fluid retention is only one of the variables of hypertension. In fact, your doctor may recommend that you take another medication in conjunction with hydrochlorothiazide, depending on the severity of your condition.

Risks

• According to Drugs.com, common side effects of hydrochlorothiazide include blurred vision, stomach pain and gastrointestinal ailments. This medication can also cause an allergic reaction in some people. Signs of an allergic reaction include extreme fatigue, sudden weakness, dizziness, skin rash, swelling, nausea, heart beat changes and weakness. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects and stop taking hydrochlorothiazide unless you are instructed otherwise. Drinking alcohol or taking over-the-counter medications can increase the risk of side effects with hydrochlorothiazide. Other prescription medications may also interact with hydrochlorothiazide.

Long-term Administration

• Hydrochlorothiazide may be taken for a long period of time under the guidance of your doctor. Your condition may improve over time with combined lifestyle changes and medications. Don't discontinue using hydrochlorothiazide, however, without consulting your doctor. Drugs.com points out that because the medication helps reduce symptoms of fluid retention and hypertension, if you stop using hydrochlorothiazide, your symptoms will probably appear again immediately.