Hydrochlorothiazide 25mgtablets

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that acts by inhibiting the Na+/Cl- cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron. This leads to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, and water, and to a lesser extent, potassium and magnesium. It also decreases calcium excretion. The antihypertensive effect is initially due to reduced plasma volume and cardiac output, and chronically due to reduced peripheral vascular resistance.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of high blood sugar: confusion, drowsiness, unusual thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath.
Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems: mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness or fainting, increased thirst, seizures, extreme fatigue or weakness, decreased appetite, difficulty urinating or changes in urine output, dry mouth, dry eyes, or severe nausea and vomiting.
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problems): severe abdominal pain, severe back pain, or severe nausea and vomiting.
Signs of kidney problems: difficulty urinating, changes in urine output, blood in the urine, or sudden weight gain. Additionally, dark urine or yellowing of the skin and eyes may occur.
Fever, chills, or sore throat; unexplained bruising or bleeding; or feeling extremely tired or weak.
Abnormal sensations such as burning, numbness, or tingling.
Shortness of breath.
Restlessness.
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.

Eye Problems:

This medication can cause certain eye problems, which may lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. If you experience eye problems, symptoms such as changes in vision or eye pain typically occur within hours to weeks of starting this medication. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs.

Skin Cancer Risk:

Rarely, people taking hydrochlorothiazide have developed certain types of skin cancer. To minimize this risk, protect your skin from the sun and follow your doctor's recommendations for skin checks. If you notice any changes in the color or size of a mole, or any new or changing skin lump or growth, contact your doctor right away.

Other Side Effects:

Most people experience few or no side effects while taking this medication. However, some common side effects may occur, including:

Constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting, or decreased appetite.
Stomach cramps.
Dizziness, fatigue, or weakness.
Headache.

If any of these side effects or other symptoms bother you or persist, contact your doctor or seek medical help.

Reporting Side Effects:

If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
A known sulfa allergy, as this may affect your ability to take this medication safely.
Any difficulties with urination, as this medication may not be suitable for individuals with urinary retention.
If you are currently taking dofetilide, as this combination may increase the risk of adverse interactions.
* If you are taking lithium, as this medication may interact with lithium and affect its efficacy or increase the risk of side effects.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

To ensure your safety, avoid driving and other activities that require alertness until you understand how this medication affects you. When getting up from a sitting or lying down position, rise slowly to minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting. Be cautious when climbing stairs.

Regular blood work and laboratory tests are crucial, as directed by your doctor. This medication may cause elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you have a history of high cholesterol or triglycerides, consult your doctor.

If you have diabetes, closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Additionally, check your blood pressure as advised by your doctor. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is vital to inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication.

If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure, such as cough or cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and certain natural products or aids.

As this medication is a potent diuretic, it may lead to excessive loss of water and electrolytes (like potassium) in the blood, resulting in severe health complications. Your doctor will closely monitor you to adjust the dosage according to your body's needs.

If you are on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, discuss this with your doctor. Before consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other forms of cannabis, or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness, consult your doctor.

Inform your doctor if you experience excessive sweating, fluid loss, vomiting, or diarrhea, as these may lead to low blood pressure. If you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, consult your pharmacist about the proper administration of these medications with this drug. Be aware of the potential for gout attacks.

If you have lupus, this medication may exacerbate your condition. Immediately report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor. This medication may increase your susceptibility to sunburn, so exercise caution when exposed to sunlight and inform your doctor if you experience unusual sunburn.

If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more prone to side effects. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor.

• Anuria
• Hypersensitivity to hydrochlorothiazide or other sulfonamide-derived drugs

• Lithium (decreased renal clearance of lithium, increased risk of toxicity)
• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (reduced antihypertensive and diuretic effects, increased risk of renal impairment)
• Digoxin (hypokalemia induced by HCTZ can potentiate digoxin toxicity)
• Corticosteroids (increased risk of hypokalemia)
• Antidiabetic agents (reduced hypoglycemic effect of insulin and oral hypoglycemics)
• Cholestyramine, Colestipol (reduced absorption of hydrochlorothiazide)

• Alcohol, Barbiturates, Opioids (additive orthostatic hypotension)
• Pressor Amines (e.g., norepinephrine) (possible decreased arterial responsiveness)
• Skeletal Muscle Relaxants, Nondepolarizing (e.g., tubocurarine) (possible increased responsiveness)
• Allopurinol (increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions to allopurinol)
• Amantadine (increased risk of amantadine toxicity)
• Calcium salts (increased serum calcium levels)

• Not available

• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up)
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Unusual thirst or dry mouth
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swelling of ankles or feet (if edema is not resolving)
• Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling)

Hydrochlorothiazide is generally not recommended for routine use during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters (Pregnancy Category D). It can cause fetal or neonatal jaundice, thrombocytopenia, and other adverse reactions observed in adults. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Hydrochlorothiazide is excreted in breast milk. While generally considered compatible with caution (L3), it may decrease milk supply, especially in high doses or in mothers with compromised lactation. Monitor the infant for signs of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or jaundice.

Use with caution. Dosing is weight-based. Children may be more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances. Close monitoring of fluid and electrolytes is essential.

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of hydrochlorothiazide, particularly regarding electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia, hyponatremia), dehydration, and orthostatic hypotension. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly. Close monitoring of fluid status, electrolytes, and renal function is crucial.

• Instruct patients to take hydrochlorothiazide in the morning to prevent nocturia (waking up to urinate at night).
• Monitor serum potassium levels closely, especially in patients on concomitant medications that can affect potassium (e.g., digoxin, corticosteroids) or those with pre-existing cardiac conditions.
• Advise patients about potential photosensitivity and recommend sun protection.
• Hydrochlorothiazide is generally less effective in patients with significant renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min); a loop diuretic may be more appropriate in such cases.
• Can cause mild elevation in blood glucose, uric acid, and calcium levels, and decrease in potassium, sodium, and magnesium levels.

• Loop diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Torsemide) for more potent diuresis or in renal impairment
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., Spironolactone, Amiloride) for diuresis with potassium conservation
• Other classes of antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, Beta-blockers) for blood pressure control

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more details. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide information about what was taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.