Why is this medication prescribed?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic medication commonly prescribed for several reasons:

• High Blood Pressure: It’s often used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) by helping the body eliminate excess sodium and water, which reduces blood volume and lowers blood pressure.
• Edema: Hydrochlorothiazide is used to manage fluid retention (edema) associated with conditions like heart failure, kidney disorders, or liver disease.
• Kidney Stones: In some cases, hydrochlorothiazide can help prevent the formation of kidney stones by reducing calcium levels in the urine.
• Diabetes Insipidus: It can also be prescribed to treat a rare condition called diabetes insipidus, which causes excessive thirst and urination.

How should this medicine be used?

Hydrochlorothiazide should be used according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. Here are some general guidelines:

• Dosage: Take the medication exactly as prescribed. The typical dose for high blood pressure is 12.5 to 25 mg once daily, but your specific dose may vary.
• Administration: Take hydrochlorothiazide by mouth with or without food. It is usually taken once daily in the morning to avoid frequent urination at night.
• Swallowing: Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
• Consistency: Try to take the medication at the same time each day to help remember to take it regularly.
• Hydration: Stay well-hydrated while on this medication, but avoid excessive salt intake. Your healthcare provider may recommend a low-sodium diet.
• Monitoring: Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your blood pressure and any potential side effects.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider of all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as hydrochlorothiazide can interact with various substances.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions for your situation.

Other uses for this medicine

• Heart Failure: Often used in combination with other medications to manage symptoms of heart failure.
• Kidney Disorders: Helps manage fluid retention and swelling caused by certain kidney conditions.
• Liver Disorders: Used to reduce fluid buildup associated with liver diseases like cirrhosis.
• Diabetes Insipidus: Helps reduce symptoms of this condition, which causes excessive thirst and urination.
• Calcium Kidney Stones: Prevents the recurrence of calcium-containing kidney stones by reducing calcium levels in the urine.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of allergies, especially to sulfa drugs, as hydrochlorothiazide is a sulfonamide diuretic.
• Kidney Function: Regular monitoring of kidney function may be necessary, as the medication can affect kidney performance.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Hydrochlorothiazide can lead to imbalances in electrolytes (such as potassium and sodium). Regular blood tests may be required to monitor these levels.
• Diabetes: If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, as hydrochlorothiazide may affect blood glucose control.
• Pregnancy: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as the medication should be used with caution during pregnancy.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as hydrochlorothiazide can interact with various substances.
• Dehydration: Avoid becoming dehydrated. Ensure you are drinking adequate fluids and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Sun Exposure: Be cautious with sun exposure, as hydrochlorothiazide can increase sensitivity to sunlight, potentially leading to sunburn or rashes.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of gout, liver disease, or other significant health conditions, as these may impact how you should use the medication.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions and consult them if you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Sodium Intake: Maintain a balanced intake of sodium. Avoid excessive salt in your diet, as this can counteract the effects of hydrochlorothiazide.
• Potassium: Your doctor may recommend a diet that includes adequate potassium, as hydrochlorothiazide can lower potassium levels. Foods rich in potassium include bananas, oranges, and spinach. However, you should only take potassium supplements if prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Fluid Intake: Stay well-hydrated but avoid excessive fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take It as Soon as Possible: If you remember within a few hours of your missed dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• Skip and Resume: If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
• Contact Your Provider: If you’re unsure about what to do or if you miss several doses, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Hydrochlorothiazide can cause a range of side effects. Some common and less severe side effects include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Increased urination
• Headache.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Dry mouth or thirst.

Less common but more serious side effects include:

• Electrolyte Imbalance: Symptoms can include muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, or severe fatigue.
• Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Symptoms can include severe dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision.
• Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Kidney Problems: Symptoms can include changes in urine output, swelling in the legs or feet, or unusual tiredness.
• Liver Problems: Symptoms can include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach or abdominal pain.
• Gout: Joint pain, redness, or swelling.
• Severe Sun Sensitivity: Severe sunburn or rash.
• Pancreatitis: Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever.

If you experience any of these serious side effects or have concerns about side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They can provide guidance on managing side effects or adjusting your treatment if needed.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Hydrochlorothiazide:

Storage:

• Store hydrochlorothiazide at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Typically, this means keeping it at 68-77°F (20-25°C).
• Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
• Do not store hydrochlorothiazide in the bathroom or near the sink, as moisture can affect the medication.

Disposal:

• Dispose of expired or unused hydrochlorothiazide properly. Do not throw it in the household trash.
• Use drug take-back programs or locations to safely dispose of the medication. Check with local pharmacies, hospitals, or government websites for take-back programs.
• If no take-back programs are available, follow FDA guidelines for disposal, which might involve mixing the medication with an undesirable substance (like used coffee grounds) and placing it in a sealed plastic bag before throwing it away.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek Immediate Help: Contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Overdose symptoms can include severe dizziness, fainting, or very low blood pressure.
• Contact Poison Control: You can also call your local poison control center for guidance.
• Information: Provide as much information as possible, including the amount taken and the time of ingestion.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Keep up with regular doctor visits to monitor your condition, blood pressure, and any potential side effects.
• Medication Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications and supplements you are taking, as hydrochlorothiazide can interact with various substances.
• Lifestyle Changes: Along with medication, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, can significantly impact the management of conditions like hypertension.
• Consult Your Provider: Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen or if you have questions about its effects.

By following these guidelines and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can manage your treatment with hydrochlorothiazide effectively and safely.