HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide)

Chemical Name: HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide)

Hydrochlorothiazide is a TABLET.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. Patients are prescribed this medication to treat fluid retention (edema) in those with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or kidney disorders, or edema caused by taking steroids or estrogen high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by various conditions, including heart disease.

Directions

Take HCTZ exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Cautions

To make sure you can safely take HCTZ, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• glaucoma
• asthma or allergies
• gout
• diabetes
• an allergy to sulfa drugs
• are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant
• breastfeeding or planning on breastfeeding

Side Effects

Most medications can cause side effects which can be defined as an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can range from mild or severe, temporary or permanent. Side effects are not experienced all patients who take this medication. Many side effects can be managed, and others may go away over time.

Common side effects may include muscle weakness, dizziness, cramps, thirst, stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache and hair loss.

Serious side effects may include eye pain, vision problems; dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting; feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed; fast or uneven heartbeat; muscle pain or weakness; numbness or tingly feeling; a red, blistering, peeling skin rash; or nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Get emergency medical attention if you have any signs of an allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat). Stop using Hydrochlorothiazide immediately and call your doctor at once if you experience any of the above noted serious side effects.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about additional side effects that you may experience.