Product Details: Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (Hydrochlorothiazide)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a thiazide diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and swelling due to excess body water. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE will increase urination. If you are taking 1 dose of this medicine daily, take it in the morning to prevent this from affecting your sleep. If you are taking more than 1 dose daily, take the last dose no later than 6 pm. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as sulfamethoxazole, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood pressure checks and blood electrolytes may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT CERTAIN LAB TEST RESULTS including parathyroid function tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR before drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine. Alcohol may add to the effects of this medicine. IF YOUR DOCTOR HAS ALSO PRESCRIBED a potassium supplement for you, follow the dosing directions carefully. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, LIGHTHEADEDNESS, OR FAINTING. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, fever and certain medicines (such as barbiturates and narcotics) can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HYPERGLYCEMIA (high blood sugar). Symptoms of hyperglycemia include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are taking this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine. MONITOR BLOOD GLUCOSE on a regular basis, as directed by your doctor.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while you are taking this medicine include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience a decrease in the amount of urine produced, decreased sexual ability, dry mouth, loss of appetite, muscle pain or cramps, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, restlessness, sore throat or fever, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision changes, or vomiting. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience symptoms of hyperglycemia (such as unusual thirst, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor); fast or irregular heartbeat; reddened, blistered or swollen skin; seizures; severe dizziness; lightheadedness; fainting; severe stomach pain or back pain; persistent or severe nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; unusual bruising or bleeding; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Hydrochlorothiazide