Do you also have high blood pressure, or 'pressure' as we all call it? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine called Hydrochlorothiazide. This medicine may also be prescribed for swelling caused by heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease. This is a very commonly used medicine. So, today we will talk about this medicine, what it does to our body, what we need to be careful of, and everything we need to be aware of, shall we?
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Hydrochlorothiazide is a 'water pill' or, in medical terms, a diuretic. It works by speeding up the excretion of excess water and salt from your body through your kidneys as urine.
Think about what happens when the water pressure inside a water pipe increases. The same thing happens when the blood pressure inside our blood vessels increases. When this medicine reduces the fluid content in the body, the pressure inside the blood vessels decreases. That means your high blood pressure is controlled. Also, if your legs, hands, or face swell due to some weakness in the heart, kidneys, or liver, this medicine helps to remove that unnecessary amount of fluid from the body and reduce swelling.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before you are given this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because that information will determine whether this medicine is suitable for you or not. Be sure to tell him especially if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes: This medicine may slightly increase blood sugar levels.
- Gout: This medicine may cause or worsen gout.
- Kidney or Liver disease: If the function of these organs is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be changed.
- Lupus: Tell us if you have lupus.
- Pancreatitis: If you have had this disease before.
- Allergies: Especially if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor this information without hiding it.
How should I use this medicine?
Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time every day, as your doctor tells you. Usually, you take it once a day. It is best to take it in the morning, as this may cause you to urinate a little more after the dose. This will help prevent sleep disturbances at night. If you experience stomach upset, take it with a meal.
The most important thing is, never stop taking this medication without your doctor's advice. Even if you feel better and your blood pressure has gone down, stopping the medication suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise dangerously again.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two pills at once for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine?
Imagine that you have taken more than the prescribed dose of medicine. If this happens, do not panic and immediately go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
A little care is required on your part when taking this medicine.
- See your doctor regularly: Go to your doctor for checkups on the days that he or she recommends. If you measure your blood pressure at home, talk to your doctor about those readings as well.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medicine may make some people feel dizzy or drowsy. So, until you know how it affects you, do not drive or operate machinery. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a standing position. Get up slowly. Drinking alcohol can increase this dizziness and drowsiness, so avoid drinking alcohol.
- Be careful with the sun: Your skin may be a little more sensitive to the sun while taking this medicine. There may also be a slight increase in the risk of skin cancer. So avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you do go out, wear clothes that cover your body and use a good sunscreen.
- Dehydration: If you have severe diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, tell your doctor right away. This is because when you lose too much water from your body (dehydration), it can be dangerous to take this medicine.
- Food and fluids: Ask your doctor about how much water you should drink per day. He or she may also recommend making small changes to your diet.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Hydrochlorothiazide can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Let's break these down into two categories.
| Side Effect | Description & Action |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Dehydration | Excessive thirst, dry mouth, headache, dark yellow/brown urine, and feeling lethargic. |
| Gout | Sudden severe pain, redness, and swelling in a joint, especially in the big toe. |
| Effect on the kidneys | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Low potassium levels | Muscle pain or stiffness, unusual weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | A common headache. |
| Stomach upset | Mild stomach upset or nausea. |
| Changes in sexual function | Decreased sexual desire or change in function. |
Take-Home Message
- Hydrochlorothiazide is a 'water pill' (diuretic) that is given to reduce blood pressure and fluid retention (swelling).
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor. Never stop taking your medication on your own accord.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other illnesses you have (especially diabetes, gout, kidney disease).
- Be aware of things like dizziness, sensitivity to sunlight, and dehydration. Avoid drinking alcohol.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as rash, difficulty breathing, severe joint pain, or changes in vision, seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep the medicine in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.
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