$Unique_ID{BRK01979}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE}
$Subject{Diaqua (Hauck)
Esidrix (Ciba)
hydrochlorothiazide (various manufacturers)
Hydro-Clor (Vortech)
HydroDIURIL (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
Hydromal (Hauck)
Hydro-T (Major)
Hydro-Z 50 (Mayrand)
Hydrozide-50 (T.E. Williams)
Mictrin (EconoMed)
Oretic (Abbott)
Thiuretic (Warner-Chilcott)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Esidrix 25*0197901.scf
Esidrix 50*0197902.scf
Esidrix 100*0197903.scf
HydroDIURIL*0197904.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Diaqua (Hauck)
     Esidrix (Ciba)
     hydrochlorothiazide (various manufacturers)
     Hydro-Clor (Vortech)
     HydroDIURIL (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
     Hydromal (Hauck)
     Hydro-T (Major)
     Hydro-Z 50 (Mayrand)
     Hydrozide-50 (T.E. Williams)
     Mictrin (EconoMed)
     Oretic (Abbott)
     Thiuretic (Warner-Chilcott)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     hydrochlorothiazide
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
     Oral solution (50 mg per 5-ml spoonful)
     Intensol oral solution (100 mg per ml)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     Hydrochlorothiazide is prescribed to treat high blood pressure
(hypertension).  It is also used to reduce fluid accumulation in the body
caused by conditions such as heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney
disease, and the long-term use of some medications.  This medication reduces
body fluid accumulation by increasing the elimination of salt and water
through the kidneys.

TREATMENT

     To decrease stomach irritation, you can take this medication with a glass
of milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).  Each
dose of the oral solution should be measured carefully with the dropper
provided (Intensol solution) or a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An
ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.  Try to take it at the same
time every day.  Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 P.M.; otherwise, you may have
to get up during the night to urinate.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.
     This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you continue to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache,
heartburn, loss of appetite, restlessness, or upset stomach.  As your body
adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear.
     This drug can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  Therefore, avoid
prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear protective clothing, and
use an effective sunscreen.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads) and exercise more
(unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision, confusion, difficulty in breathing, dry mouth, excessive
thirst, excessive weakness, fever, itching, joint pain, mood changes, muscle
pain or spasms, nausea, palpitations, skin rash, sore throat, thirst, tingling
in the fingers or toes, vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. It can decrease the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants, antigout
medications, insulin, oral antidiabetic medicines, and methenamine.
     2. Fenfluramine can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
hydrochlorothiazide (which can be dangerous).
     3. Indomethacin can decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
hydrochlorothiazide, thereby counteracting the desired effects.
     4. Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease the absorption of this
medication from the gastrointestinal tract.  Hydrochlorothiazide should,
therefore, be taken one hour before or four hours after a dose of
cholestyramine or colestipol (if you have also been prescribed one of these
medications).
     5. Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the side effects of amphotericin B,
calcium, cortisone and cortisone-like steroids (such as dexamethasone,
hydrocortisone, prednisone, or prednisolone), digoxin, digitalis, lithium,
quinidine, sulfonamide antibiotics, and vitamin D.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to hydrochlorothiazide or other sulfa drugs,
including other diuretics, oral antidiabetic medications, and sulfonamide
antibiotics.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney disease
or problems with urination, diabetes mellitus, gout, liver disease, asthma,
pancreatic disease, or systemic lupus erythematosus.
     * Hydrochlorothiazide can cause potassium loss.  Signs of potassium loss
include dry mouth, thirst, weakness, muscle pain or cramps, nausea, and
vomiting.  If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor.  To help
avoid potassium loss, take this drug with a glass of fresh or frozen orange or
cranberry juice, or eat a banana every day.  The use of a salt substitute also
helps to prevent potassium loss.  Do not change your diet or use a salt
substitute, however, before discussing it with your doctor.  Too much
potassium can also be dangerous.  Your doctor may want you to have blood tests
performed periodically in order to monitor your potassium levels while you are
taking this drug.
     * Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication,
in order to prevent dizziness and light-headedness.
     * Becoming overheated can be hazardous while you are taking this
medication.  Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather and do not take hot
baths, showers, or saunas.
     * If you have high blood pressure, do not take any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medications for weight control or for allergy, asthma,
cough, cold, or sinus problems unless your doctor directs you to do so.
     * To prevent dehydration (severe water loss) while taking this
medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe
or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
     * This medication can raise blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Therefore, blood sugar should be carefully monitored by blood or urine tests
when this medication is being taken.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Hydrochlorothiazide
can cross the placenta and may cause adverse effects on the developing fetus.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Although problems
in humans have not been reported, small amounts of this drug can pass into
breast milk, so caution is warranted.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
