subject: The Effectiveness of Hydrochlorothiazide [print this page] The Effectiveness of Hydrochlorothiazide The Effectiveness of Hydrochlorothiazide
Diuretic drugs of the thiazide class are known to be effective in controlling high blood pressure. One example is Hydrochlorothiazide or water pill which enables the kidneys to eliminate excess water and salt from the body in the form of urine.
Hydrochlorothiazide is classified as a diuretic drug of the thiazide class. The drug works by inhibiting the ability of your kidney to retain water and salt, eliminating them through urine. It is then use for the effective treatment of high blood pressure as well as fluid retention.
Hydrochlorothiazide is available in the market under the brand names Apo-Hydro, Dichlotride, Aquazide H, Microzide, Esidrex, Oretic, Hydrodiuril and HydroSaluric. You can use Hydrochlorothiazide in combination with other drugs to treat hypertension.
The Right Way to Use Hydrochlorothiazide:
Hydrochlorothiazide is taken orally, either in liquid or tablet, once or twice a day on a full stomach. If you need to take the drug once a day, do it in the morning. If you have to take it twice a day, do it in the morning and late afternoon as you do not want to keep on getting up in the night to go to the bathroom.
Other Therapeutic Uses:
Hydrochlorothiazide may control your high blood pressure but it will never cure the condition. You may also use this medicine to treat diabetes insipidus, electrolyte disturbances and to prevent kidney stones if you have high level of calcium in your blood. Never discontinue this medicine without talking to your doctor first.
Side Effects and Precautions:
One of the possible adverse effects of Hydrochlorothiazide is to make your skin sensitive to sunlight. You can prevent any ill effect by avoiding unnecessary or prolonged sun exposure as well as wearing protective clothing and gear such as sunscreen and sunglasses. Other side effects are muscle weakness, nausea, hair loss, stomach pain, dizziness, loss of appetite, headache, cramps, thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, severe skin rashes with peeling skin, difficulty in swallowing or breathing and unusual bruising or bleeding.
Your diet is also a primary consideration when taking Hydrochlorothiazide. Exercise daily and eat potassium-rich foods such as prunes, raisins, bananas or orange juice. Taking potassium supplements is also beneficial to your health.
Read more about Hydrochlorothiazide in the newly published Hydrochlorothiazide Review for more information.
