Hydrochlorothiazide Side Effects

Severe side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide

Low Libido and Erectile Dysfunction were reported as side effects in clinical trials for Hydrochlorothiazide.
Diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide may cause or aggravate pancreatitis.
Increased glucose levels in diabetic patients. Hydrochlorothiazide may cause Diabetes.
Seizures due to electrolyte imbalances.
Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.
Jaundice and skin rashes.
Hypercalcemia or heightened calcium levels in the blood.
In some cases, Hydrochlorothiazide has caused anaphylactic shock.

Common side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide

Abdominal pain
Cramps
Diarrhea
Electrolyte disturbances such as low potassium and sodium levels.
Muscle Pain
Numbness

Warnings & Recalls for Hydrochlorothiazide

Recalls

On June 1st, 2011, Aidapak Services LLC recalled multiple lots of Hydrochlorothiazide due to potential penicillin cross-contamination. These include:

Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg tablets. The NDC (National Drug Code) is 00228-2820-11 and the recall number is D-264-2012. The recalled lot is 422b11 and the expiration dates are 4/25/12, 5/12/12, and 5/15/12.
Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg tablets. The NDC is 00603-3856-21 and the recall number is D-265-2012. The recalled lots are listed on the FDA enforcement reports for October 19th, 2011 under number 40.
Hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg tablets. The NDC is 00603-3857-21 and the recall number is D-266-2012. The recalled lot number is C0590610A and the expiration date is 09/16/11.
Hydrochlorothaizide/Triamterene 25MG/37.5 MG caplets. The NDC is 00007-3650-22 and the recall number is D-267-2012.

On March 21st, 2011, Safecor Health, LLC recalled Hydrochlorothiazide 6.25 mg per half tablet due to lack of NDA/ANDA approval. The bar code is 0228282050 and the recall number is D-654-2011. The recalled lot number is 341552 and the expiration date is 9/30/2011.

Warnings for Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is a class B pregnancy medication and is considered safe to take while pregnant. However, caution should be observed. Hydrochlorothiazide may pass through breast milk and may be unsafe to take during breastfeeding.
Alcohol may intensify side effects and should be avoided while taking Hydrochlorothiazide.
Avoid extreme heat or any conditions that promote dehydration while taking Hydrochlorothiazide.
Hydrochlorothiazide should be avoided by patients who have kidney disease.
The patient should get regular blood tests to monitor electrolyte count and adverse effects.
Hydrochlorothiazide may aggravate gout.

Hydrochlorothiazide Treatment and Use

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (from the thiazide class) that is primarily used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure and fluid retention problems, such as edema, that are caused by congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or cirrhosis of the liver. It is widely prescribed and has many brand names and manufacturers. Hydrochlorothiazide is often combined with other diuretics (such as triamterene in Dyazide) to help counter potassium deficiency.

How does Hydrochlorothiazide work?

Hydrochlorothiazide helps the kidneys to pass excess water and salt through urination. This diuretic effect also causes a decrease in blood volume which lowers blood pressure.

Hydrochlorothiazide Dosage

Hydrochlorothiazide is available as 12.5, 25, and 100 mg tablets as well as 12.5 mg capsules. It can be taken once a day or as a divided dose once in the morning and once in the late afternoon. It is recommended to not take Hydrochlorothiazide in the evening due to late night urination.

Hypertension

The initial dose for adult hypertension is 12.5-25mg a day and may be gradually increased up to 50 mg a day.

Edema

The inital dose for adult edema is 25-100mg a day.

Other Names for Hydrochlorothiazide

Brand Names

Apo-Hydro

Aquazide

Carozide

Diaqua

Dichlotride

Esidrex

Ezide

Hydrochlorot

Hydro-Par

HydroDIURIL

HydroSaluric

Microzide

Oretic

Generic Names

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)