Hydrochlorothiazide is a type of drugs classified as Thiazide diuretics, also known as "water pills" used to lower the amount of water in the body. Hydrochlorothiazide is given to treat high blood pressure, kidney problems, cirrhosis, salt, and fluid retention as well as congestive heart failure. Thiazide diuretics like Hydrochlorothiazide increase urine production in the kidney by altering the movement of sodium and chloride in it. In doing so Thiazide diuretics like Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the blood sugar. Thiazide diuretics like Hydrochlorothiazide are often taken in combination with other drugs to treat high blood pressure.
CAUTION
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, gout, lupus, kidney or liver disease or low levels of potassium before using Hydrochlorothiazide.
Avoid using Hydrochlorothiazide if you are allergic or sensitive to Hydrochlorothiazide or other sulfa drugs.
Tell your dentist you are taking Hydrochlorothiazide before any dental procedure.
Thiazide diuretics like Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness and fatigue.
Thiazide diuretics like Hydrochlorothiazide may cause hypersensitivity to sunlight.
Use caution when using sauna or hot bath. It may cause dizziness, fainting, vomiting and sudden drop in blood pressure.
Thiazide diuretics like Hydrochlorothiazide may result in loosing too much salt and potassium, especially among elderly women.
Thiazide diuretics like Hydrochlorothiazide should not be taken with lithium, as that could increase the risk of lithium poisoning.
HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE SIDE EFFECTS
Common side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide may include dizziness, fatigue, frequent urination, dry mouth, anxiety, muscle cramps, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, increase in blood sugar and uric acid levels.
Rare side effects may include allergic reactions, upset stomach, appetite loss, constipation, cough, depression, diarrhea, drowsiness, hives, impotence, indigestion, light-headedness, liver disorders, rash, hypersensitivity to light, sore throat, vertigo, and weight loss.
HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE INTERACTIONS
Check with your physician before combining Hydrochlorothiazide with the following:
Alcohol
Blood thinners
Decongestant drugs (allergy, cold, and
sinus medicines)
Diabetic drugs
Lithium
Norepinephrine
NSAIDs like Aleve or
Ibuprofen
High blood pressure medications
Potassium supplements may be
needed
Herbs that increase blood pressure like ephedra, ginseng, and saw palmetto. Other herbs may also interfere, check with your doctor before combining them with Hydrochlorothiazide.
HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE AND PREGNANCY
If you are or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before
using Hydrochlorothiazide.
As Hydrochlorothiazide may appear in breast
milk, nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking
Hydrochlorothiazide.
HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE DOSES
ADULT
25-200 mg daily.
CHILDREN
Not recommended.
HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE OVERDOSE
Symptoms of Hydrochlorothiazide overdose may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, urinary problems and drowsiness. If you suspect Hydrochlorothiazide overdose, seek medical help right away.
Disclaimer:
The
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self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please consult your licensed health care
provider regarding all medical problems. You should never stop taking a prescription
drug or alter the dosage or dosing schedule without first consulting your
physician or health-care provider.
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