Hydrochlorothiazide

Pronounced (hye” droe klor” oh thye’ a zide) Brand Names:  Amvaz®, Katerzia®, Norvasc®

Why is Hydrochlorothiazide Prescribed?

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 corticosteroids. Hydrochlorothiazide may also be used to treat patients with diabetes insipidus and to prevent kidney stones in patients with high levels of calcium in their blood.

How Does Hydrochlorothiazide Work?

Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics (‘water pills’). It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
Older woman taking hydrochlorothiazide for high blood pressure

Common Side Effects of Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide may cause side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • Frequent urination
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • Hair loss
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
  • Dry mouth; thirst; nausea; vomiting; weakness, tiredness; drowsiness; restlessness; confusion; muscle weakness, pain, or cramps; fast heartbeat and other signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
  • Blisters or peeling skin
  • Hives
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Ongoing pain that begins in the stomach area, but may spread to the back
  • Joint pain or swelling
  • Changes in vision, eye pain, or swelling or redness in or around the eye
Older woman looking at her bottle for hydrochlorothiazide side effects

Hydrochlorothiazide Precautions

Plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Hydrochlorothiazide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking hydrochlorothiazide. To avoid this problem, get up slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up. Alcohol can add to these side effects.

More About Hydrochlorothiazide

When being prescribed any new medication, always inform your provider of all medications you are taking, including vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements, to avoid possible drug interactions.