Hydrochlorothiazide
This medication is used to treat high blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure
High pressure in the arteries (vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body).
Is hydrochlorothiazide good for high blood pressure?
Jul 21, 2021 · Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
What is the mechanism of action of hydrochlorothiazide?
Mar 25, 2022 · Hydrochlorothiazide is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat edema (fluid retention; excess fluid held in body tissues) caused by various medical problems, including heart, kidney, and liver disease and to treat edema caused by using certain medications including estrogen and …
Can hydrochlorothiazide be used to treat edema?
High blood pressure adds to the work load of hear and arteries. If this continues for long then its not possible for heart and arteries to properly. ... Hydrochlorothiazide - Treatment for …
How often should I take hydrochlorothiazide?
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is commonly used to treat high blood pressure. It is also the most commonly used in its group of medicines – thiazide diuretics, also called water pills. In the US in 2016, more than 49 million prescriptions were written for HCTZ. It's proven its …
Will hydrochlorothiazide lower blood pressure immediately?
Response and effectiveness. Hydrochlorothiazide starts to work within 2 hours and its peak effect occurs within 4 hours. The diuretic and blood pressure lowering effects of hydrochlorothiazide may last six to 12 hours.Mar 22, 2022
Why do doctors prescribe hydrochlorothiazide?
Hydrochlorothiazide is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly.Feb 1, 2022
How effective is hydrochlorothiazide for blood pressure?
In their combined analysis, the researchers found that HCTZ alone, at doses of 12.5 to 25 mg per day, reduced ambulatory blood pressure by an average of 7.5 mm Hg systolic and 4.6 mm Hg diastolic.Jun 16, 2009
What are the dangers of taking hydrochlorothiazide?
Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. Check with your doctor right away if you have seizures, decreased urine, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive thirst, increased heart rate or pulse, muscle pains or cramps, nausea or vomiting, or unusual tiredness or weakness.Feb 1, 2022
Which is better spironolactone or hydrochlorothiazide?
Spironolactone is superior to hydrochlorothiazide for blood pressure control and arterial stiffness improvement.Apr 20, 2018
Which is better lisinopril or hydrochlorothiazide?
Lisinopril appeared to be more effective than HCTZ as a step-1 drug, and the combination was superior to either agent alone.
Which is safer chlorthalidone or hydrochlorothiazide?
HCTZ and chlorthalidone are both safe and cheap first-line blood pressure medications, but the evidence is clear—chlorthalidone is better.Jan 11, 2019
Which is better chlorthalidone or hydrochlorothiazide?
Chlorthalidone produces slightly greater reductions in blood pressure compared with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), but it is associated with greater declines in serum potassium levels. (Strength of Recommendation [SOR]: C, based on a meta-analysis of disease-oriented evidence.)Dec 1, 2015
Can you just stop taking hydrochlorothiazide?
Do not stop using hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause serious or life-threatening heart problems. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Who should not take hydrochlorothiazide?
tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take hydrochlorothiazide. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, asthma, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, a chronic inflammatory condition), high cholesterol, or kidney or liver disease.
Is hydrochlorothiazide hard on your kidneys?
Popular diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and spironolactone. They are associated with a risk for acute kidney injury.Mar 6, 2019
What is the best time of day to take hydrochlorothiazide?
How to use Hydrochlorothiazide. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning with or without food. If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. It is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime.
What Is Hydrochlorothiazide?
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention....
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use hydrochlorothiazide if you are allergic to it, or if you are unable to urinate.To make sure hydrochlorothiazide is safe for you,...
How Should I Take Hydrochlorothiazide?
Take hydrochlorothiazide exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally chang...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms may include nausea, weakness, dizziness, dry mout...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Hydrochlorothiazide?
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.See also: Hydrochlorothiazide and alcohol (in more detail)Avoid becoming overheated or d...
Hydrochlorothiazide Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, li...
Hydrochlorothiazide Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose of Hydrochlorothiazide for Edema:Usual dose: 25 mg to 100 mg orally once or twice dailyComments:-Some patients respond to intermit...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Hydrochlorothiazide?
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you light-headed can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pa...
What is hydrochlorothiazide used for?
Expand Section. Hydrochlorothiazide is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat edema (fluid retention; excess fluid held in body tissues) caused by various medical problems, including heart, kidney, and liver disease and to treat edema caused by using certain medications ...
What to tell your doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide?
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
How long after taking hydrochlorothiazide can you take colestipol?
if you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take them 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking hydrochlorothiazide. tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take hydrochlorothiazide.
How does high blood pressure affect the kidneys?
It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body.
Does hydrochlorothiazide cause skin cancer?
Hydrochlorothiazide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight and increase your risk of a certain types of skin cancer. Your doctor will check your skin for skin cancers during your treatment with hydrochlorothiazide. Call your doctor if you notice any new skin changes or growths.
Can you take hydrochlorothiazide more often?
Take hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Hydrochlorothiazide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well.
What are the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide?
Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: A headache, dizziness on standing, dehydration, skin reactions, and depletion of electrolytes.
How long does hydrochlorothiazide work?
Hydrochlorothiazide starts to work within 2 hours and its peak effect occurs within 4 hours. The diuretic and blood pressure lowering effects of hydrochlorothiazide may last six to 12 hours.
What is HCTZ in medicine?
Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the class of medicines known as thiazide diuretics. Hydrochlorothiazide may be abbreviated as HCTZ. 2. Upsides. Used in addition to other drugs to remove fluid build-up (edema) in the body caused by heart failure, liver disease, renal disease, and steroid or estrogen therapy.
Can hydrochlorothiazide be used for high blood pressure?
Used to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure; daily dosing is usually recommended when hydrochlorothiazide is used for this indication. May be used off-label for several other indications. May be used alone or in combination with other agents.
Can hydrochlorothiazide be used for sulfonamide?
Hydrochlorothiazide may be used to relieve edema and in the treatment of high blood pressure but may not be suitable for some people including those with sulfonamide allergies. 5. Tips. Dosages may need to be adjusted depending on the individual; higher dosages need extra monitoring by a doctor.
How much does HCTZ lower blood pressure?
On average, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) lowers systolic blood pressure (top number) by about 8 mm Hg. It lowers diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) by about 8 mm Hg. This is based on a common dosage of 25 mg daily. Remember that this is just an average. Your blood pressure may go down more or less than this.
What is HCTZ medicine?
HCTZ is one of the medicines your doctor may recommend to treat high blood pressure. Less Pressure, More Health! Email a link to this content Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Submit an article suggestion See the science Recommended Articles Authors. See what you learned!
Why is it important to keep blood pressure down?
Your blood pressure may go down more or less than this. Keeping both numbers down is important, because high blood pressure can damage your heart, brain, and kidneys. Lowering your blood pressure may lower your chances of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and death.
How does catecholamine affect blood pressure?
The muscles around some blood vessels have what are known as alpha-1 or alpha adrenergic receptors. When a catecholamine binds to an alpha-1 receptor, the muscle contracts, the blood vessel narrows, and blood pressure rises.
What is the best way to reduce blood pressure?
Diuretics . Diuretics , sometimes called water pills, help the kidneys get rid of excess water and salt (sodium). This reduces the volume of blood that needs to pass through the blood vessels. As a result, blood pressure goes down. There are three major types of diuretics defined by how they work.
How to make the most of your treatment?
To make the most of your treatment, it’s vital to get regular medical checkups and blood pressure tests. Regular checkups allow your doctor to monitor how well your treatment is going and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
What is considered high blood pressure?
The goal is to get your blood pressure below the high range. If normal is less than 120/80 mm Hg, what’s high? When the systolic blood pressure — the top number — is between 120 and 129, and the diastolic blood pressure — the bottom number — is less than 80, this is considered elevated blood pressure.
What is the effect of ARBs on blood pressure?
ARBs block the action of angiotensin II directly on the blood vessels. It attaches at the receptor site on the blood vessels and keeps them from narrowing. This causes blood pressure to fall.
How does ACE inhibitor work?
ACE inhibitors help the body produce less of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow. These medications decrease blood pressure by helping blood vessels expand and let more blood through.
What is the purpose of calcium channel blockers?
Calcium channel blockers limit calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This makes the heart beat less forcefully with each beat and helps blood vessels relax.
How to stop high blood pressure?
Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy foods. Get plenty of potassium, which can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Eat less saturated fat and trans fat. Decrease the salt in your diet.
What is elevated blood pressure?
Elevated blood pressure is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below (not above) 80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure tends to get worse over time unless steps are taken to control blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure may also be called prehypertension. Stage 1 hypertension.
What are Alpha blockers?
Alpha blockers include doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress) and others. Alpha-beta blockers. Alpha-beta blockers block nerve signals to blood vessels and slow the heartbeat to reduce the amount of blood that must be pumped through the vessels.
What does blood pressure measure?
A blood pressure reading, as shown in the blood pressure monitor in the image, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure) in the first number, and the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats (diastolic pressure) in the second number.
What happens if your blood pressure is high?
If your blood pressure remains stubbornly high despite taking at least three different types of high blood pressure drugs, one of which usually should be a diuretic, you may have resistant hypertension.
What tests are done to confirm if you have high blood pressure?
Ambulatory monitoring. This 24-hour blood pressure monitoring test is used to confirm if you have high blood pressure.
Why do doctors take blood pressure readings?
Because blood pressure normally varies during the day and may increase during a doctor visit (white coat hypertension), your doctor will likely take several blood pressure readings at three or more separate appointments before diagnosing you with high blood pressure.
What is combination therapy for high blood pressure?
Combination treatment means another class of blood pressure medication is added to the first drug to increase effectiveness. Many people with mild high blood pressure respond to one medication. It may take a few tries to find the most effective drug. However, sometimes one drug cannot control high blood pressure.
How does angiotensin help lower blood pressure?
They help lower blood pressure by inhibiting the production of angiotensin in the body. Angiotensin is a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict which can lead to increased blood pressure. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): The ARBs block the effects of angiotensin.
What is resistant hypertension?
Resistant hypertension means blood pressure that stays high despite treatment with three different types of blood pressure medications. It's thought that about 30% of people with high blood pressure have resistant hypertension.
What are the risk factors for resistant hypertension?
Other studies suggest that people with resistant hypertension have associated risks factors such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, enlargement of the heart chambers, and or chronic kidney disease.
Can you use thiazide alone?
Sometimes, using lower doses of one or more drugs in combination can minimize side effects. Thiazide diuretics may be used alone to treat hypertension. Low-dose diuretics, though, can also be used with other medications such as beta-blockers. When used in a drug combination, the diuretic has fewer side effects.
Can a diuretic be used in combination with a blood pressure medication?
When used in a drug combination, the diuretic has fewer side effects. It also boosts the blood-pressure-lowering effect of the other medication. Diuretics are added to other blood pressure medications. For instance, if the person with high blood pressure also retains fluid, a diuretic may be added.
Is combination therapy for hypertension individualized?
Combination treatment for hypertension is individualized. It gives the best possible control of blood pressure with the fewest side effects. Also, combination treatment may cost less. There may be less frequent doctor visits as the drug combination effectively manages the hypertension.
How to strengthen the heart?
The best way to strengthen the heart is to exercise it by performing activities that elevate your heart rate and increase blood flow. Compare and contrast arteriosclerosis with atherosclerosis.
What happens if you have a blockage in your heart?
Blockages in the heart can result in heart attacks; blockages and ruptures in the brain lead to strokes.
How It Works
- Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (this means it increases urination) that works by inhibiting the reabsorption of salts in the kidneys.
- Hydrochlorothiazide also lowers blood pressure in people with high blood pressure by an unknown mechanism; people with normal blood pressure are not usually affected by hydrochlorothiazide.
- Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (this means it increases urination) that works by inhibiting the reabsorption of salts in the kidneys.
- Hydrochlorothiazide also lowers blood pressure in people with high blood pressure by an unknown mechanism; people with normal blood pressure are not usually affected by hydrochlorothiazide.
- Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the class of medicines known as thiazide diuretics. Hydrochlorothiazide may be abbreviated as HCTZ.
Upsides
- Used in addition to other drugs to remove fluid build-up (edema) in the body caused by heart failure, liver disease, renal disease, and steroid or estrogen therapy. May be used to treat edema due t...
- Intermittent (as needed) therapy may be appropriate for some people with edema.
- Used to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure; daily dosing is usually reco…
- Used in addition to other drugs to remove fluid build-up (edema) in the body caused by heart failure, liver disease, renal disease, and steroid or estrogen therapy. May be used to treat edema due t...
- Intermittent (as needed) therapy may be appropriate for some people with edema.
- Used to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure; daily dosing is usually recommended when hydrochlorothiazide is used for this indication.
- May be used off-label for several other indications.
Downsides
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. A headache, dizziness on standing, dehydration, skin reactions, and depletion of electrolytes. Effects may be aggravated by alcohol, illness, or hot weather. 2. Rarely, may cause acute angle glaucoma. Symptoms include e…
Bottom Line
- Hydrochlorothiazide may be used to relieve edema and in the treatment of high blood pressure but may not be suitable for some people including those with sulfonamide allergies.
Tips
- Dosages may need to be adjusted depending on the individual; higher dosages need extra monitoring by a doctor.
- Report any symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, muscular weakness, and GI disturbances to a doctor.
- Seek urgent medical advice if you are unable to urinate.
- Dosages may need to be adjusted depending on the individual; higher dosages need extra monitoring by a doctor.
- Report any symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, muscular weakness, and GI disturbances to a doctor.
- Seek urgent medical advice if you are unable to urinate.
- Report any eye pain or visual disturbances immediately to your doctor.
Response and Effectiveness
- Hydrochlorothiazide starts to work within 2 hours and its peak effect occurs within 4 hours. The diuretic and blood pressure lowering effects of hydrochlorothiazide may last six to 12 hours.
Interactions
- Medicines that interact with hydrochlorothiazide may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with hydrochlorothiazide. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions sh…
References
- Hydrochlorothiazide. Revised 11/2021. AHFS DI Essentials https://www.drugs.com/monograph/hydrochlorothiazide.html
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use hydrochlorothiazide only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: March 21, 2022. Medi…