Hctz

 
Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide

Brands: Carozide, Diaqua, Esidrix, Ezide, Hydro Par, HydroDIURIL, Loqua, Microzide, Oretic

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What is the most important information I should know about Hctz?

· To reduce nighttime urination, take Hctz early in the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hctz may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

 

What is Hctz?

· Hctz is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It decreases the amount of fluid in the body by increasing the amount of salt and water lost in the urine.

· Hctz is used to lower blood pressure and to decrease edema (swelling).

· Hctz may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Hctz?

· Do not take Hctz without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics. You may have an allergic reaction to Hctz.

· Before taking Hctz, tell your doctor if you have     ·diabetes;     ·gout;     ·a collagen vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus;     ·pancreatitis;     ·kidney disease;     ·liver disease; or     ·high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat) in your blood.

· You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Hctz is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Hctz without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· Hctz passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Hctz without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Hctz?

· Take Hctz exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· To reduce nighttime urination, take Hctz early in the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

· It is important to take Hctz regularly to get the most benefit.

· Do not stop taking Hctz suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could make your condition worse.

· Your doctor may want you to have blood pressure monitoring or other medical evaluations during treatment with Hctz to monitor progress and side effects.

· Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Hctz overdose include increased urination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, lethargy, and unconsciousness.

 

What should I avoid while taking Hctz?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hctz may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase the side effects of Hctz.

· Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt may cause the body to retain water and may decrease the effects of Hctz.

· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Hctz may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

· Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously dehydrated while taking Hctz.

 

What are the possible side effects of Hctz?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Hctz and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·unusual fatigue;     ·abnormal bleeding or bruising;     ·yellow skin or eyes;     ·confusion;     ·irregular heartbeats or a fluttering feeling in the chest; or     ·little or no urine.

· Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take Hctz and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·dizziness, especially when rising from sitting or lying down;     ·tingling or numbness in the arms, legs, hands, or feet;     ·excessive urination;     ·muscle weakness or cramps;     ·increased hunger or thirst;     ·nausea or decreased appetite;     ·abdominal pain;     ·sensitivity to sunlight; or     ·impotence.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Hctz?

· Before taking Hctz tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:     ·lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others);     ·digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);     ·the cholesterol-lowering drugs cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);     ·a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), fenoprofen (Nalfon), ketorolac (Toradol), or flurbiprofen (Ansaid);     ·a diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolazamide (Tolinase), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others; or     ·a steroid medicine such as cortisone (Cortone), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol), hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone), prednisone (Orasone, Deltasone), prednisolone (Delta Cortef, Prelone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and others.

· You may not be able to take Hctz, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medications listed above.

· Also, before taking Hctz, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicine to treat high blood pressure, water retention, heart problems, prostate problems, or another condition. Some medicines used to treat these conditions may interact with Hctz and the effects on your heart may be increased.

· Hctz may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, seizure medicines, antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Hctz or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Hctz written for health professionals that you may read.

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