Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic(water pill). It works by blocking salt and fluid reabsorption in thekidneys, causing increased urine output (diuresis). It has also been usedin treating mild high blood pressure, even though the mechanism of bloodpressure lowering is not well understood.

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 25mg, 50mg, 100mg.

STORAGE: Should be stored at room temperature in a tight, lightresistant container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat excessivefluid accumulation and swelling (edema) of the body caused by heartfailure, cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, corticosteroid medications,and nephrotic syndrome. It is sometimes used alone or in conjunction withother blood pressure pills to treat high blood pressure.Hydrochlorothiazide can be used to treat calcium containing kidney stonesby decreasing the amount of calcium excreted in the urine.

DOSING: May be taken with or without food.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Hydrochlorothiazide is eliminated rapidly bythe kidneys and the dosage may have to be reduced in kidney dysfunction.It should be used with caution in patients with liver disease because offluid and electrolyte problems.

Patients allergic to sulfa may also be allergic to hydrochlorothiazidebecause of a similarity in the chemical structure of the medications.Hydrochlorothiazide can aggravate kidney dysfunction, and is used withcaution in patients with kidney disease. Even though hydrochlorothiazideis important in treating excess fluid accumulation in patients withcirrhosis, loss of fluid and electrolytes in these patients can worsenkidney function and even cause the patient to go into a coma.Hydrochlorothiazide can cause lowering of blood potassium, sodium, andmagnesium levels. Low potassium and magnesium levels can lead to heartrhythm abnormalities, especially in patients already taking digoxin (Lanoxin). Please visit digoxin (Lanoxin) site for further information.Potassium supplementation is common during hydrochlorothiazide treatment.

Blood uric acid levels can increase during hydrochlorothiazidetreatment, but precipitation of acute gout is rare. Hydrochlorothiazidereduces the kidney excretion of lithium and can lead to lithium toxicity.Blood sugar levels can be elevated, necessitating adjustment in the dosesof oral diabetic medications and insulin. Periodic blood tests areperformed to monitor kidney function and electrolytes during treatmentwith hydrochlorothiazide. Safe use in children has not been established.

PREGNANCY: Safe use in pregnancy has not established.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects include weakness, low blood pressure, rash, light sensitivity, impotence, nausea, abdominal pain, electrolytedisturbances, pancreatitis, jaundice, anaphylaxis, and severe rashes.