Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic which lowers blood pressure by removing extra water and certain electrolytes from the body. Over time it also relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.

 

This medication is used to treat oedema (fluid overload) associated with heart, liver, kidney or lung disease.
This will decrease the pressure on the blood vessels and allow the heart to work less hard. Hence, it may also be used to treat high blood pressure.

•  Headache,
•  Nausea,
•  Increased blood uric acid,
•  Decreased potassium level in blood,
•  Glucose intolerance,
•  Altered blood lipid level

•  Take it in the morning with breakfast to avoid getting up at night to urinate.
•  It makes you feel dizzy. Avoid driving and attention requiring activity untilyou know how it affects you.
•  It may cause a sudden drop of sodium level in blood. Avoid low sodium dietwhile you are taking this medication.
•  Monitor your blood pressure after starting Hydrochlorothiazide, and notifyyour doctor if it does not lower down.
•  Notify your doctor if you experience dizziness, tiredness, or muscle weaknessthat does not go away.
•  Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. 
•  It should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Frequent monitoring of blood pressure and electrolytes level is necessary while taking this medicine.