Hydrochlorothiazide
Information about Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide uses
Hydrochlorothiazide is used in Hypertension (high blood pressure). It treats oedema (fluid overload) associated with heart, liver, kidney or lung disease.
How hydrochlorothiazide works
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic which lowers blood pressure by removing extra water and certain electrolytes from the body. Over time it also relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Common side effects of hydrochlorothiazide
Increased uric acid level in blood, Decreased magnesium level in blood, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Urticaria, Xanthopsia, Pulmonary edema, Agranulocytosis (deficiency of granulocytes in the blood)
Available Medicine for Hydrochlorothiazide
Expert advice for Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydrochlorothiazide helps lower blood pressure and also removes excess water from your body.
- Take it in the morning with breakfast to avoid getting up at night to urinate.
- It makes you feel dizzy. Avoid driving and attention requiring activity until you know how it affects you.
- Avoid alcohol intake while taking Hydrochlorothiazide as it may increase the dizziness.
- It may cause a sudden drop of sodium level in blood. Avoid low sodium diet while you are taking this medication.
- Monitor your blood pressure after starting Hydrochlorothiazide, and notify your doctor if it does not lower down.
- Notify your doctor if you experience dizziness, tiredness, or muscle weakness that does not go away.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.