Hydrochlorothiazide - pronounced as (hye droe klor oh THYE a zide). This diuretic for hypertension lowers blood pressure and gets rid of extra salt and water in the body through the kidneys. 

Common Brand Names
U.S. Brand Names: Microzide™
Canadian Brand Names: Apo-Hydro®; Novo-Hydrazide; PMS-Hydrochlorothiazide
Mexican Brand Names: Diclotride®

Pharmacologic Category: Diuretic, Thiazide

Reasons not to take this diuretic
• If you have an allergy to hydrochlorothiazide or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you have a sulfonamide (“sulfa”) allergy, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have kidney disease.

What is this diuretic hypertension medicine used for?
• This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.
• This medicine is used to get rid of extra fluid.

How is it best taken?
• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Take this medicine early in the day to avoid sleep problems.
• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
• If you have diabetes, this medicine may sometimes raise blood sugars. Talk with healthcare provider about how to adjust for this.
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Watch for gout attacks.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects
• Low potassium level. Signs include feeling tired, weak, numbness, or tingling; muscle cramps; constipation; vomiting; or fast heartbeat.
• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Dry mouth.

What should I monitor?
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of low potassium.
• Severe dizziness or passing out.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

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