Hydrochlorothiazide - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Hydrochlorothiazide is a drug to treat edema, which is a buildup of fluid in the spaces between cells, for example as a result of heart failure and liver cirrhosis. This drug can also be used to lower blood pressure in hypertension.

Hydrochlorothiazide works by helping the kidneys to get rid of excess fluid and salt through urine. That way, edema can be reduced and blood pressure can drop. This drug can be taken as a single drug or in combination with other drugs.

Hydrochlorothiazide trademark:Bisovell Plus, Blopress Plus 16, Coirvebal. Coaprovel, Co-Irvel, Co-Telsaril, Co-Diovan, Dexacap Plus, Hapsen Plus, Hydrochlorothiazide, Irtan Plus, Lodoz, Lorinid Mite, Micardis Plus, Olmetec Plus, Tenazide

What is Hydrochlorothiazide

Warnings Before Taking Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide should not be taken carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using hydrochlorothiazide:

• Do not take hydrochlorothiazide if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking sulfa drugs.
• Tell your doctor if you have difficulty or are unable to urinate.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, liver disease, gout, hypokalemia, glaucoma, hyperkalemia, parathyroid gland disorders, diabetes, asthma, or lupus.
• Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea and/or any conditions that could lead to dehydration.
• Do not consume alcohol while taking hydrochlorothiazide because it can cause dangerous side effects.
• Avoid being in the sun for too long, because hydrochlorothiazide can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while taking hydrochlorothiazide, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
• See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking hydrochlorothiazide.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Hydrochlorothiazide

The dose of hydrochlorothiazide for each patient can be different. The following is the dosage of indapamide based on the condition you want to treat:

Condition: Edema

• Mature: 25–100 mg per day divided into 2 consumption schedules. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day.
• Children: 1-2 mg/kg body weight daily as a single dose or divided into 2 consumption schedules. The maximum dose is 100 mg per day.
• Children aged < 6 months: 3 mg/kgBW per day divided into 2 consumption schedules. The maximum dose is 37.5 mg per day.
• seniors: 12.5 mg per day. The dose can be added as much as 12.5 mg.

Condition: Hypertension

• Mature: 12.5 mg per day, alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs. The dose can be increased to 50 mg per day according to the patient's needs. The maximum dose is 100 mg per day.
• Children: 1-2 mg/kgBW per day as a single dose or divided into 2 consumption schedules. The maximum dose is 100 mg per day.
• Children aged < 6 months: 3 mg/kgBW per day divided into 2 consumption schedules. The maximum dose is 37.5 mg per day.
• seniors: 12.5 mg per day. The dose can be added as much as 12.5 mg.

Method Taking Hydrochlorothiazide Correctly

Always follow the instructions given by the doctor and read the instructions for use found on the drug packaging before taking hydrochlorothiazide.

Hydrochlorothiazide can be taken before or after meals. Swallow hydrochlorothiazide tablets and caplets using plain water. Because this drug can increase the frequency of urination, it is recommended to take this drug 4 hours before bedtime or in the morning.

To get effective results, accompany treatment with a healthy lifestyle. Pay attention to food patterns and menus, especially reducing foods that contain salt (sodium/sodium).

If you are taking medications to lower cholesterol, take them 4 hours before or after taking hydrochlorothiazide.

Do not increase or decrease the dose that has been prescribed by a doctor. Make sure to take hydrochlorothiazide at the same time each day.

Store hydrochlorothiazide at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

InteractionHydrochlorothiazide with Other Drugs

Using hydrochlorothiazide together with other drugs can cause interactions, including:

• Increased risk of occurrence sunburn when used with aminolevulinic acid
• Increased risk of an irregular heartbeat if used with amiodarone, dolasetron, cisapride, or pimozide
• Increased effectiveness of lithium
• Increased risk of hypokalemia if used with salbutamol
• Decreased absorption of hydrochlorothiazide when used with cholestyramine
• Increased risk of orthostatic hypotension with phenobarbital or morphine
• Decreased effectiveness of the drug hydrocholorothiazide when used with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Increased drug effectiveness neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) or nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, such as tubocurarine

Hydrochlorothiazide Side Effects and Dangers

Side effects that may appear after taking hydrochlorothiazide are:

• Dizzy
• Headache
• Frequent urination
• Stomach ache
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss

Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by an itchy and swollen rash, swollen eyes and lips, or difficulty breathing.

In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, irregular heartbeat, confusion, or more serious side effects, namely:

• Chest pain
• Visual disturbance
• tingling
• Sore eyes
• Faint