Information about Hydrochlorothiazide (Generic Microzide) :


Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic used to treat excess fluid buildup in the body caused by certain conditions or drugs. It helps eliminate large amounts of water from your body. It may also be administered to treat high blood pressure or other conditions as determined by your doctor. The exact mechanism of antihypertensive action of Hydrochlorothiazide is unknown.

You should not use Hydrochlorothiazide in the following cases: you are allergic to any ingredient in Hydrochlorothiazide or to any other sulfonamide medicine (eg Sulfamethoxazole, Glyburide, Acetazolamide); you are unable to urinate; you are taking Dofetilide or Ketanserin.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Hydrochlorothiazide:
Before using Hydrochlorothiazide you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have gout, liver problems, lupus, kidney problems, diabetes, asthma, parathyroid problems, or high blood cholesterol or lipid levels; you have low blood sodium, chloride, potassium, or magnesium levels; or high blood calcium levels.

Be aware that Hydrochlorothiazide may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: cholestyramine, colestipol, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because they decrease the effectiveness of Hydrochlorothiazide; barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), narcotic pain medicines (eg, codeine, morphine, fentanyl), or medicines for high blood pressure because side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide may be increased; diazoxide or nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, tubocurarine) because side effects may be increased by Hydrochlorothiazide; lithium because risk of toxicity may be increased by Hydrochlorothiazide; digoxin, dofetilide, or ketanserin because risk of irregular heartbeat may be increased by Hydrochlorothiazide; diabetes medicines (eg, glipizide, metformin), insulin, or pressor amines (eg, norepinephrine) because the effectiveness may be decreased by Hydrochlorothiazide.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Hydrochlorothiazide:
Use this medicine as recommended by your physician. Hydrochlorothiazide should be taken with or without food.

The amount of urine and frequency of urination may be increased when you first start taking Hydrochlorothiazide. To prevent this from affecting sleep, it is not recommended to take any dose later than 6 pm.

In case you miss a dose of Hydrochlorothiazide, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Hydrochlorothiazide usage may lead to dizziness. Try to avoid such activities. Alcohol and certain other medicines may increase the risk of unfavorable reactions while taking Hydrochlorothiazide. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may be increased by alcoholic beverages. It is recommended to sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning to prevent dizziness or lightheadedness. You should sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you take Hydrochlorothiazide before you undergo any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Hydrochlorothiazide usage may increase your blood sugar. You may experience thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. In case these symptoms take place, consult with your doctor right away.

A potassium supplement may be prescribed for you by your doctor. You should follow the dosing carefully. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without medical consultation.

Your sensitivity to the sun may be increased by Hydrochlorothiazide. Try to avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. It is recommended to use a sunscreen or protective clothing in case you are not able to avoid such exposure.

You may feel tired or run down for a few weeks after the treatment is started if you take medicine for high blood pressure. Continue taking your medicine even if no symptoms bother you. Consult with your doctor if you have any symptom.

Lab tests, including kidney function, blood pressure, and blood electrolyte levels, may be performed while you use Hydrochlorothiazide. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

The ELDERLY may be more sensitive to the effects of Hydrochlorothiazide. Use it with caution in this group.

Do not use Hydrochlorothiazide in CHILDREN, as safety and effectiveness have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Hydrochlorothiazide while pregnancy. It is known that Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while using Hydrochlorothiazide.

Possible side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: blurred vision; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; inability to keep an erection; lightheadedness especially when sitting up or standing; loss of appetite; nausea; rash or itching; redness of the skin; uncontrolled muscle movement.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; decrease in amount of urine; drowsiness; gout; inflammation of the pancreas; muscle pain or cramps; rapid or irregular heartbeat; restlessness; seizures; unusual thirst; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusually dry mouth; vomiting.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.