IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic used to lower high blood pressure and treat certain fluid-retention conditions. It works by increasing salt and water excretion through urine.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not take hydrochlorothiazide if you have had a serious allergic reaction to it or any product ingredient. Severe kidney impairment or inability to pass urine (anuria) may make it unsuitable — check the product label.
Important precautions
HCTZ can affect sodium, potassium, magnesium, uric acid, blood glucose, and kidney function. Take extra care if you have gout, diabetes, dehydration, kidney or liver disease, or take medicines that affect electrolytes.
Common side effects
Common effects include increased urination, dizziness, low blood pressure, electrolyte changes, and increased sun sensitivity.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent help for a severe skin reaction, fainting, confusion, marked weakness, severe eye pain, sudden vision change, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Important interactions
Hydrochlorothiazide can interact with lithium, digoxin, other blood-pressure medicines, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, diabetes medicines, and other drugs that affect electrolytes.
Allergy considerations
Tell your prescriber about serious reactions to hydrochlorothiazide or sulfonamide-containing medicines — cross-sensitivity is assessed on an individual basis.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Blood-pressure treatment choices in pregnancy depend on individual circumstances — discuss hydrochlorothiazide use with your clinician.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Ask your doctor before taking HCTZ while breastfeeding; the dose and any effect on milk production may be relevant.
Children and older adults
Older adults may be more sensitive to dehydration, low blood pressure, and electrolyte changes. Monitoring needs depend on the individual.
Storage
Store in original packaging in a dry place away from excess heat and out of children's reach.
Missed dose
Follow your prescription instructions. If you are close to your next dose, skip the missed one — do not double up or change your schedule without advice.
Overdose
Taking too much can cause dehydration, low blood pressure, and serious electrolyte problems. Seek urgent medical assessment.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic used to lower high blood pressure and treat certain fluid-retention conditions. It works by increasing salt and water excretion through urine.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not take hydrochlorothiazide if you have had a serious allergic reaction to it or any product ingredient. Severe kidney impairment or inability to pass urine (anuria) may make it unsuitable — check the product label.
Important precautions
HCTZ can affect sodium, potassium, magnesium, uric acid, blood glucose, and kidney function. Take extra care if you have gout, diabetes, dehydration, kidney or liver disease, or take medicines that affect electrolytes.
Common side effects
Common effects include increased urination, dizziness, low blood pressure, electrolyte changes, and increased sun sensitivity.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent help for a severe skin reaction, fainting, confusion, marked weakness, severe eye pain, sudden vision change, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Important interactions
Hydrochlorothiazide can interact with lithium, digoxin, other blood-pressure medicines, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, diabetes medicines, and other drugs that affect electrolytes.
Allergy considerations
Tell your prescriber about serious reactions to hydrochlorothiazide or sulfonamide-containing medicines — cross-sensitivity is assessed on an individual basis.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Blood-pressure treatment choices in pregnancy depend on individual circumstances — discuss hydrochlorothiazide use with your clinician.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Ask your doctor before taking HCTZ while breastfeeding; the dose and any effect on milk production may be relevant.
Children and older adults
Older adults may be more sensitive to dehydration, low blood pressure, and electrolyte changes. Monitoring needs depend on the individual.
Storage
Store in original packaging in a dry place away from excess heat and out of children's reach.
Missed dose
Follow your prescription instructions. If you are close to your next dose, skip the missed one — do not double up or change your schedule without advice.
Overdose
Taking too much can cause dehydration, low blood pressure, and serious electrolyte problems. Seek urgent medical assessment.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.