What is hydrochlorothiazide?
Hydrochlorothiazide is a drug belonging to the group of diuretic thiazides, that is, its main function is to eliminate sodium, chloride and water through urine.
For its part, the active ingredient can be purchased intablets of 12.5 and 25 mg that may also contain lactose and other excipients. It is not recommended to ingest doses higher than 50 mg daily.
Note: The doses vary according to the patient’s health condition and age, therefore this medication should be indicated by a specialist.
What is hydrochlorothiazide for?
The field of action for which this drug is used focuses on thecardiovascular system. Below we will detail some of the pathologies that can be treated with hydrochlorothiazide:
1. High blood pressure
Arterial hypertension is a disease characterized by high blood pressure against the walls of the arteriestag. In this sense, hydrochlorothiazide is one of the antihypertensive diuretics, used within the usual treatment for people suffering from this health condition.
You should know: Hydrochlorothiazide can increase urination , thus eliminating high levels of sodium in the blood while maintaining potassium, which decreases large amounts of retained fluid and improves heart and blood vessel imbalance and high blood pressure. . (1)
2. Cardiac, renal and hepatic edema
Patients with edema usually experience swelling due to fluid retention in the tissues, which can increase the risk of suffering from ulcers , lymphedema, among other pathologies where diuresis is low.
Side effects of hydrochlorothiazide
- dry mouth
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Tiredness and insomnia .
- Cancer risk.
Important: In case of presenting any of the aforementioned effects, it is recommended to suspend the use of hydrochlorothiazide and consult a specialist doctor.
Contraindications of hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide, like any medication, has certain limitations in its administration, so it is contraindicated in patients who qualify for the following cases:
- Hypersensitivity to hydrochlorothiazide or to thiazides in general.
- Patients suffering from gout or uric acid (hyperuricemia) and liver cirrhosis.
- People with skin cancer, especially basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Interaction with other compounds such as tetracyclines.
You should know: The intake of diuretic drugs in children, pregnant or lactating women , must be indicated by a specialist.
Key Conclusions
- Hydrochlorothiazide is a Diuretic-Type Medication indicated to treat conditions mainly associated with the cardiovascular system.
- It is a drug used as a treatment for arterial hypertension , cardiac, renal and hepatic edema.
- It can cause adverse reactions such as thirst, nausea, vomiting, tiredness and insomnia .
- The administration of hydrochlorothiazide should be indicated and supervised by a specialist doctor .
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.