You should not use hydrochlorothiazide if you are unable to urinate.
Before using hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, glaucoma, asthma or allergies, gout, diabetes, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or penicillin.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of this medicine.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
There are many other drugs that can interact with hydrochlorothiazide. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use hydrochlorothiazide if you are allergic to it, or if you are unable to urinate.
To make sure hydrochlorothiazide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease;
liver disease;
gout;
glaucoma;
low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood;
high levels of calcium in your blood;
a parathyroid gland disorder;
diabetes; or
an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you take this medicine during pregnancy, your newborn baby may develop jaundice or other problems.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Hydrochlorothiazide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take hydrochlorothiazide?
Take hydrochlorothiazide exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking hydrochlorothiazide, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood and urine may be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.
If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine. You may need to stop for a short time.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and freezing. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
