Why is this drug prescribed?
Hydrochlorothiazide is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and other conditions that require the elimination of excess fluid (water) from the body. These conditions include congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, corticosteroid and estrogen therapy, and kidney disorders. When used for high blood pressure, Hydrochlorothiazide can be used alone or with other high blood pressure medications. Hydrochlorothiazide contains a form of thiazide, a diuretic that prompts your body to produce and eliminate more urine, which helps lower blood pressure.
Most important fact about this drug
If you have high blood pressure, you must take Hydrochlorothiazide regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Hydrochlorothiazide; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Hydrochlorothiazide does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take this medication?
Take Hydrochlorothiazide exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
--If you miss a dose...
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light, moisture, and freezing cold. Store at room temperature.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Hydrochlorothiazide.
- Side effects may include:
Abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dizziness upon standing up, headache, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, low potassium (leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or cramps), stomach irritation, stomach upset, weakness
- Less common or rare side effects may include:
Anemia, blood disorders, changes in blood sugar, constipation, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fever, fluid in the lung, hair loss, high levels of sugar in the urine, hives, hypersensitivity reactions, impotence, inflammation of the lung, inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the salivary glands, kidney failure, muscle spasms, nausea, rash, reddish or purplish spots on the skin, restlessness, sensitivity to light, skin disorders including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (blisters in the mouth and eyes), skin peeling, tingling or pins and needles, vertigo, vision changes, vomiting, yellow eyes and skin
Why should this drug not be prescribed?
If you are unable to urinate, you should not take this medication.
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Hydrochlorothiazide or similar drugs, or if you are sensitive to sulfa or other sulfonamide-derived drugs, you should not take this medication.
Special warnings about this medication
Diuretics can cause your body to lose too much potassium. Signs of an excessively low potassium level include muscle weakness and rapid or irregular heartbeat. To boost your potassium level, your doctor may recommend eating potassium-rich foods or taking a potassium supplement.
If you are taking Hydrochlorothiazide, your kidney function should be given a complete assessment, and should continue to be monitored.
If you have liver disease, diabetes, gout, or lupus erythematosus (a form of rheumatism), Hydrochlorothiazide should be used with caution.
If you have bronchial asthma or a history of allergies, you may be at greater risk for an allergic reaction to this medication.
Dehydration, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea or vomiting could deplete your body's fluids and cause your blood pressure to become too low. Be careful when exercising and in hot weather.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
If Hydrochlorothiazide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Hydrochlorothiazide with the following:
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Corticosteroids such as prednisone and ACTH
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Drugs to treat diabetes such as insulin or Micronase
Lithium (Lithonate)
Narcotics such as Percocet
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Naprosyn
Norepinephrine (Levophed)
Other high blood pressure medications such as Aldomet
Skeletal muscle relaxants, such as tubocurarine
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Hydrochlorothiazide during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Hydrochlorothiazide appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage
Dosage should be adjusted to each individual's needs. The smallest dose that is effective should be used.
ADULTS
Water Retention
The usual dose is 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams per day. Your doctor may tell you to take the drug in a single dose or to divide the total amount into more than one dose. Your doctor may put you on a day on, day off schedule or some other alternate day schedule to suit your needs.
High Blood Pressure
The usual dose is 25 milligrams as a single dose. Your doctor may increase the dose to 50 milligrams, as a single dose or divided into 2 doses. Dosages should be adjusted when used with other high blood pressure medications.
CHILDREN Dosages for children should be adjusted according to weight, generally 0.5 to 1 milligram per pound of body weight in 1 or 2 doses per day. Infants under 2 years should not receive more than 37.5 milligrams per day, and children aged 2 to 12 should not get more than 100 milligrams a day. Infants under 6 months may need 1.5 milligrams per pound per day in 2 doses.
Under 2 years
Based on age and body weight, the daily dosage is 12.5 milligrams to 37.5 milligrams per day.
2 to 12 years
The daily dosage, based on body weight, is 37.5 milligrams to 100 milligrams.
Hydrochlorothiazide tablets come in strengths of 25, 50 and 100 milligrams.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
- Symptoms of Hydrochlorothiazide overdose may include:
Dry mouth, excessive thirst, muscle pain or cramps, nausea and vomiting, weak or irregular heartbeat, weakness and dizziness
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