$Unique_ID{BRK03179} $Pretitle{} $Title{hydrochlorothiazide} $Subject{Diaqua Hauck Esidrix Ciba Hydro-Chlor Vortech HydroDIURIL Merck Sharp Dohme Hydromal Hauck Hydro-T Major Hydro-Z 50 Mayrand Hydrozide-50 Williams Mictrin EconoMed Oretic Abbott Thiuretic Warner-Chilcott Diuretic antihypertensive hydrochlorothiazide high blood pressure hypertension fluid accumulation heart failure cirrhosis liver kidney disease elimination salt water kidneys} $Volume{} $Log{ Esidrix 25 mg*0317901.scf Esidrix 50 mg*0317902.scf HydroDIURIL*0317903.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. hydrochlorothiazide ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Diaqua (Hauck) Esidrix (Ciba) hydrochlorothiazide (various manufacturers) Hydro-Chlor (Vortech) HydroDIURIL (Merck Sharp & Dohme) Hydromal (Hauck) Hydro-T (Major) Hydro-Z 50 (Mayrand) Hydrozide-50 (T.E. Williams) Mictrin (EconoMed) Oretic (Abbott) Thiuretic (Warner-Chilcott) TYPE OF DRUG Diuretic and antihypertensive INGREDIENT hydrochlorothiazide DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg) Oral solution (50 mg per 5-ml spoonful) Intensol oral solution (100 mg per ml) STORAGE This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. USES Hydrochlorothiazide is prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such as heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term use of some medications. This medication reduces body fluid accumulation by increasing the elimination of salt and water through the kidneys. TREATMENT To decrease stomach irritation, you can take this medication with a glass of milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Each dose of the oral solution should be measured carefully with the dropper provided (Intensol solution) or a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough. Try to take it at the same time every day. Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 p.m.; otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose. This drug does not cure high blood pressure. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Constipation, cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, restlessness, or upset stomach. As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear. This drug can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads) and exercise more (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about blurred vision, confusion, difficulty in breathing, dry mouth, excessive thirst, excessive weakness, fever, itching, joint pain, mood changes, muscle pain or spasms, nausea, palpitations, skin rash, sore throat, tingling in the fingers or toes, vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with several other types of medications: 1. It can decrease the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants, antigout medications, insulin, oral antidiabetic medicines, and methenamine. 2. Fenfluramine can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effects of hydrochlorothiazide (which can be dangerous). 3. Indomethacin can decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of hydrochlorothiazide, thereby counteracting the desired effects. 4. Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease the absorption of this medication from the gastrointestinal tract. Hydrochlorothiazide should, therefore, be taken one hour before or four hours after a dose of cholestyramine or colestipol (if you have also been prescribed one of these medications). 5. Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the side effects of amphotericin B, calcium, cortisone and cortisone-like steroids (such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, or prednisolone), digoxin, digitalis, lithium, and vitamin D. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Be sure to tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to hydrochlorothiazide or other sulfa medications, including other diuretics, oral antidiabetic medications, and sulfonamide antibiotics. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney disease or problems with urination, diabetes mellitus, gout, liver disease, asthma, pancreatic disease, or systemic lupus erythematosus. * Hydrochlorothiazide can cause potassium loss. Signs of potassium loss include dry mouth, thirst, weakness, muscle pain or cramps, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important that yiu call your doctor. To help avoid potassium loss, take this medication with a glass of fresh or frozen orange or cranberry juice, or eat a banana every day. The use of a salt substitute also helps to prevent potassium loss. Do not change your diet or use a salt substitute, however, before discussing it with your doctor. Too much potassium can also be dangerous. Your doctor may want you to have blood tests performed periodically in order to monitor your potassium levels while you are taking this drug. * Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication to prevent dizziness and light-headedness. * Becoming overheated can be hazardous while you are taking this medication. Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather and do not take hot baths, showers, or saunas. * If you have high blood pressure, do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for weight control or for allergy, asthma, cough, cold, or sinus problems unless your doctor directs you to do so. * To prevent dehydration (severe water loss) while taking this medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. * This medication can raise blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Therefore, blood sugar should be carefully monitored by blood or urine tests when this medication is being taken. * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Hydrochlorothiazide can cross the placenta and may cause adverse effects on the developing fetus. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Although problems in humans have not been reported, small amounts of this medication can pass into breast milk, so caution is warranted. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.