Hydrochlorothiazide
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic. It acts by removing fluid from the body through kidney. The re absorption of fluid in kidney is prevented by Hydrochlorothiazide and thereby cause removal of fluids.
Therapeutic Uses of Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is also used in the treatment of fluid retention some medical conditions (heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney problems etc.) and medicines (corticosteroids, estrogen). Hydrochlorothiazide can be used alone in case of mild hypertension or in combination with other anti hypertensive agent in moderate to severe hypertension. It can also be used in other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Hydrochlorothiazide
Take Hydrochlorothiazide orally with a glass of water with food or on empty stomach. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and it increases urine production. To prevent disturbance from excess urine production you should take it before 6 PM in the evening.
It should be taken as per direction of your doctor and if you have any question about how to take Hydrochlorothiazide, you should ask your doctor.
If You Miss a Dose of Hydrochlorothiazide
If you miss a dose of Hydrochlorothiazide take it when you remember it. If it is time for the next dose than you should skip the missed dose and go back to normal dosing routine. Do not take double dose of Hydrochlorothiazide at a time.
How to Store Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide should be stored in between 68 to 77 degree Fahrenheit. Storage for brief period at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. It should not be stored in the bathrooms. Keep it out of reach of children in a dry and dark room.
More Information About Hydrochlorothiazide
If you have any doubt about Hydrochlorothiazide, talk to your doctor or other health care provider to clarify your doubt. Do not share it with other people and use it for yourself only.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Hydrochlorothiazide
Do not take Hydrochlorothiazide if you have any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor urgently:
- If you have allergy to any of the ingredients of Hydrochlorothiazide.
- If you have urinary blockage.
- If you are taking dofetilide or ketanserin.
Important notes to keep in mind during treatment with Hydrochlorothiazide:
- Hydrochlorothiazide can cause blurring of vision or dizziness. These effects are more prominent if alcohol is taken with it. Do not drive or do works that require constant monitoring and risky, till you know that you do not have dizziness or blurring of vision with Hydrochlorothiazide.
- Hot weather, fever or exercise may increase fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness due to Hydrochlorothiazide. To prevent these effects sit up and stand slowly from lying or sitting positions. If you get any signs of these effects you should sit or lie down at the first sign.
- Hydrochlorothiazide can harm the growing fetus during pregnancy. It should not be taken during pregnancy or if you become pregnant during treatment with Hydrochlorothiazide you should discuss with your doctor about the risks of using it during pregnancy.
- Hydrochlorothiazide is found in the breast milk and if you want to breast feed your baby you should discuss with your doctor about the possible risks to your child due to Hydrochlorothiazide.
- Diabetic patients should monitor blood sugar levels during treatment with Hydrochlorothiazide regularly. Ask your doctor if you have to change the dose of your diabetes medicines. Hydrochlorothiazide may cause rise in blood sugar level and you may feel drowsy, confused, thirsty etc. Breath may become fruit like in odor or like garlic smell and faster breathing. Inform your doctor immediately if you get any of the signs of high blood sugar.
- Inform your doctor or dentist if you are taking Hydrochlorothiazide before you go for any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- If you work in hot weather or hot area, you should inform your doctor, because sodium level may become low in hot weather during therapy with Hydrochlorothiazide.
- It may increase the sensitivity to sun. Avoid sun, sunlamps or tanning booths during treatment with Hydrochlorothiazide until you know that you do not have sensitivity to sun. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Your doctor may give you potassium supplementation during treatment with Hydrochlorothiazide and you should take it as instructed by your doctor. Do not take potassium supplement on your own or change your diet with more potassium without asking your doctor.
- Lab tests like kidney function test, electrolyte level in blood and blood pressure should be checked during the use of Hydrochlorothiazide. These tests can be used to monitor the progress and also to detect any side effects that may arise due to Hydrochlorothiazide.
Possible Adverse Effects of Hydrochlorothiazide
- If most common side effects become troublesome or persists for longer duration you should consult your doctor. The commonest and mild side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide are nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, blurring of vision, light headedness etc.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you get any of the side effects that are serious like severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue etc.); drowsiness, restlessness, tiredness, or weakness; severe or persistent nausea, stomach pain or vomiting; fever, chills, and/or persistent sore throat (due to infection); mood changes; seizures; fainting; confusion; numbness or tingling; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; muscle pain and muscle cramps; dark urine and decreased urination; dryness of mouth; fast and irregular pulse rate; yellowing of the eyes or skin etc.