Hydrochlorothiazide

What is it?

Composition

Hydrochlorothiazide is available in tablet form in various dosages. The main active component of the drug is hydrochlorothiazide, which provides its diuretic and antihypertensive effects. The composition also includes excipients, which may vary depending on the manufacturer, but usually include:

• Lactose monohydrate
• Corn starch
• Magnesium stearate
• Talc
• Colloidal silica gel

These excipients do not have an active effect on the body, but help form the tablet and ensure its stability and durability.

How to use?

Hydrochlorothiazide should be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor, taking into account the prescribed dosage and regimen. Usually, tablets are taken orally, once a day, preferably in the morning to avoid nighttime trips to the toilet. The medicine can be taken both during and on an empty stomach, with plenty of water.

Basic recommendations for use:

1. Follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor and do not change it on your own.
2. Take the tablet at the same time every day for better symptom control.
3. Do not stop taking the drug suddenly, even if you feel better, without consulting your doctor.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In this case, do not double the dose.

How does it work?

Hydrochlorothiazide acts as a diuretic, affecting kidney function. It blocks the reabsorption of sodium and chlorine in the nephron tubules, which leads to an increase in the excretion of these electrolytes in the urine. Following sodium, the body also loses water, which reduces the volume of circulating blood and reduces the load on the cardiovascular system.

In addition, the drug helps to reduce vascular resistance, which also leads to a decrease in blood pressure. Due to the complex effect on fluid volume and vascular resistance, Hydrochlorothiazide effectively reduces blood pressure and reduces the risk of complications associated with hypertension, such as strokes and heart attacks.

Indications

Hydrochlorothiazide is prescribed to treat various conditions associated with fluid retention and high blood pressure. The main indications for use include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure) - both as monotherapy and in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
• Edema syndrome caused by heart failure, kidney or liver disease, as well as taking certain medications.
• Diabetes insipidus - to reduce polyuria (excessive urine output).
• Premenstrual syndrome, accompanied by edema and fluid retention in the body.

The drugs effectiveness is due to its ability to remove excess fluid and lower blood pressure, which helps improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Contraindications

Hydrochlorothiazide is contraindicated in a number of cases where its use may cause serious side effects or worsen existing diseases. The main contraindications include:

• Hypersensitivity to hydrochlorothiazide or other components of the drug.
• Severe renal failure, in which the filtration capacity of the kidneys is impaired.
• Anuria (lack of urine output) is a condition in which taking a diuretic is ineffective.
• Severe forms of liver failure, including hepatic coma.
• Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood), which may be worsened by taking thiazide diuretics.

In addition, caution is required when prescribing the drug to patients with diabetes mellitus, gout, or an allergy to sulfonamides, since Hydrochlorothiazide can cause an exacerbation of these conditions.

Side effects

Like any medicine, Hydrochlorothiazide can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects are related to changes in electrolyte levels and may include:

• Hypokalemia (low potassium), which can cause weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps.
• Hyponatremia (low sodium), which can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches.
• Dry mouth and thirst, which is associated with increased fluid excretion from the body.
• Frequent urination, especially in the first days of treatment.
• Increased uric acid levels in the blood, which can lead to an exacerbation of gout.

In rare cases, allergic reactions such as rash, itching or angioedema are possible. If serious side effects or signs of allergy occur, you should immediately consult a doctor to adjust your treatment.