This article is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or use the medication guide.

Hydrochlorothiazine information

What is Hydrochlorothiazide?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a generic drug classified as a diuretic (water pill). It is used to lower high blood pressure, and it does so by creating the urge to urinate more. This helps remove extra water and salt from your system, which could otherwise cause kidney problems, heart attacks, and stroke.

Hydrochlorothiazide is also used to treat edema. Edema refers to puffiness, especially around the ankles due to water retention, and it’s often caused by high blood pressure (hypertension), liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, and nephrotic syndrome. Water retention may also be a side effect of corticosteroid medications.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription-only drug, and it’s also available under the brand name Microzide. Other names for Hydrochlorothiazide are Oretic and Hydrodiuril. This drug received FDA approval in 1959. Over 5 decades later, Hydrochlorothiazide is still among the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications globally.

Proper use of Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide generic) is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Capsule- 12.5 mg
• Tablet- 25mg, 50 mg
• Pill- 25 mg
• Oral suspension- made by diluting 5mg/ml

You should take Hydrochlorothiazide as instructed by the doctor – usually once every day. The amount will vary from one person to the other, depending on what’s being treated. You should not lower or increase the dosage unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

Hydrochlorothiazide can be taken with or without food. Although you can take it at any time of the day, most doctors recommend taking it during the morning or at least 4 hours before bedtime. This is because you’ll need to urinate frequently, which might disrupt your sleep at night.

If you’re using Hydrochlorothiazide to manage high blood pressure, continue taking your dosage even if you’re feeling well since hypertension often does not have symptoms.

Due to its diuretic effects, Hydrochlorothiazide medication may lead to dehydration during therapies. This can get severe, especially if you have non-stop vomiting or diarrhea and could lead to unwanted low blood pressure levels and electrolyte imbalance.

If you have recurrent bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, it’s necessary to have frequent urine and blood pressure checkups. In addition, make it a routine to check and share your blood pressure level with your doctor.

If you’re using other medications to control your cholesterol levels, you should take Hydrochlorothiazide 4-6 hours before or after these drugs. See the section on Hydrochlorothiazide interactions for more precautions.

Hydrochlorothiazide Dosage

Hydrochlorothiazide dose will vary between patients. It depends on the strength of the drugs, condition being treated, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s age, among other vital considerations. Always follow your doctor’s directions for efficacy and to avoid drug abuse.

Average Hydrochlorothiazide dosage for high blood pressure:

Adults (18+ years)

• 12.5-25 mg orally once daily (max dose per day is 25 mg)

Children 12-17 years

• 25 mg orally once per day (do not exceed 50 mg per day)

Children 3-11 years

• 0.5-1 mg/kg/day orally daily

Children 6 months-2 years

• 0.5-1 mg/kg/day taken orally as a single dose or in 2 equal doses

Children Below 6 months

• Maximum dose is 0.5g/pound/day

Average Hydrochlorothiazide dosage for edema

Adults (18+ years)

• 12.5-25 mg orally once daily (max dose per day is 25 mg)

Children 12-17 years

• 25 mg orally once per day (do not exceed 50 mg per day)

Children 3-11 years

• 0.5-1 mg/kg/day orally daily

Children 6 months-2 years

• 0.5-1 mg/kg/day taken orally as a single dose or in 2 equal doses

Children Below 6 months

• Maximum dose is 0.5g/pound/day

Average Hydrochlorothiazide dosage for Diabetes insipidus (adults)

• Hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg once a day (orally)

Missed dose

For a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember as long as it’s not near the time for your next dosage. Keep in mind that this medication increases the urge to urinate frequently. It might not be a good idea to take it as you head to sleep.

Can you overdose on Hydrochlorothiazide?

It’s possible to get a Hydrochlorothiazide overdose, and the effects can be severe, whether it’s accidental or intentional. If you’ve overdosed on this drug, you should call 911 immediately or get expert advice from a trained nurse by calling the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Hydrochlorothiazide overdose symptoms include;

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Muscle pain
• Thirst

Hydrochlorothiazide Uses

Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide generic) is used to manage high blood pressure levels, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. This medication is also used to treat fluid retention in the body (edema). Hydrochlorothiazide works by increasing urine production.

Before using Hydrochlorothiazide

Here is what you should know before using Hydrochlorothiazide:

Allergies- Hydrochlorothiazide HCTZ rarely causes allergies. However, people who are allergic to sulfonamide may experience an allergic response, characterized by difficulty breathing, rash, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing due to swollen tongue and throat). Tell your doctor if you’re allergic to diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide or other medications.

Hydrochlorothiazide interactions- Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with 400+ medications and may cause severe, serious, or moderate effects. We’ve listed some of these drugs below. Note that this list does not exhaust all the drugs that interact with Hydrochlorothiazide. Tell your doctor about any other medication that you’re taking for guidance.

Severe interactions

• Thiazide diuretics (Dofetilide)
• Certain Photosensitizers (Tretinoin-Mequinol)
• Potassium wasting diuretic
• Serious interaction
• Lithium
• Methanamine-SOD.PHOS.
• Porfimer
• Aminolevulinic acid
• Sodium phosphate bowel cleanser

Moderate interactions

• Antidiabetic
• Tizanidine
• Diazoxide
• Desmopressin

Special Conditions

Hydrochlorothiazide during pregnancy- multiple studies show that Hydrochlorothiazide isn’t likely to cause harm to the fetus. However, some experts say that taking Hydrochlorothiazide during pregnancy may cause jaundice to the newborn baby. If you’re pregnant or are planning to conceive while taking this drug, discuss it with your doctor first.

Hydrochlorothiazide during breastfeeding- Hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg is safe for use during lactation, and it has not been found to harm a breastfeeding baby. However, higher dosages of 100 mg per day may suppress lactation. Talk to your doctor if you plan to take this dosage.

Hydrochlorothiazide in pediatrics- FDA approves Hydrochlorothiazide for babies, including those younger than 6 months. However, the dosage should be maintained at 0.5 mg/kg/day administered in 1 or 2 equal doses.

Hydrochlorothiazide Warnings

• Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you’re suffering from Diabetes, glaucoma, kidney disease, liver disease, and gout.
• Talk to your doctor first if you’re allergic to sulfa drugs and Penicillin.
• Don’t use Hydrochlorothiazide if you trouble to urinate.
• People with angioedema shouldn’t use this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you’re on other hypertensive drugs before taking Hydrochlorothiazide.
• You should not use lithium alongside Hydrochlorothiazide.
• Hydrochlorothiazide and alcohol- mixing alcohol and Hydrochlorothiazide may lead to a significant drop in blood pressure.

Hydrochlorothiazide Side Effects

Hydrochlorothiazide may cause mild or severe side effects. If you believe that you have a medical emergency after taking this drug, call 911, or get medical care immediately.

Common but mild side effects

• Headache
• Dizzine
• Weakne
• Erectile dysfunction
• Tingling in your hands and feet

Hydrochlorothiazide adverse effects

• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Trouble urinating or producing less urine
• Increased swelling around your ankle
• Blurred vision
• Painful skin rash
• Fever
• Mouth sore

Hydrochlorothiazide Proper Storage

Store Hydrochlorothiazide in its original container tightly closed to prevent access by children. The drugs should stay away from kids’ reach and at 68°F and 77°F temperature range.

Any unused Hydrochlorothiazide medication should be disposed of immediately. Talk to your pharmacist or waste management provider and find out whether they have a medicine take-back program.

Hydrochlorothiazide Cost/Price

Hydrochlorothiazide is generally inexpensive, although prices vary significantly between stores. The best price for Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg tablets (count of 30) ranges between $11 and $30. With a Hydrochlorothiazide coupon, it’s possible to get the same dosage for as low as $3. Compare the best Hydrochlorothiazide coupon from the list above for greater savings on this drug.

Hydrochlorothiazide Mechanism of Action- What does Hydrochlorothiazide do?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic. Drugs in this class are used to treat edema (water retention) and manage high blood pressure. Although the exact mechanism of action isn’t precise yet, Hydrochlorothiazide inhibits the reabsorption of sodium ions in the distal convoluted tubule. Consequently, this drug induces sodium excretion in the urine and water loss.