Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg

If your doctor has prescribed you hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg, it is important that you know a bit about this drug and its effects in the body. This drug is often sold under the names of Dichlotride and Apo-hydro. Various doses are given, but 12.5mg is considered an adequate dosage in most cases.

Reasons for prescribing

This drug is most commonly prescribed as a treatment for hypertension and congestive heart failure. It is also used to treat edema and diabetes insipidis. It works by inhibiting the kidneys' ability to retain water, thereby reducing blood volume and lower the blood pressure. Since the drug also affects calcium retention, it is sometimes also used to treat osteoporosis.

Side effects

Like any thiazide diuretic, this drug can cause a number of side effects. The most common of these is hyperkalemia, which results from excreting excess potassium. To prevent this condition, doctors often prescribe potassium supplements to those who take this drug for extended periods of time. The other common side effects are hyperlipidemia and hypercalcemia. Headaches, vomiting and weight gain may occur on occasion. High blood sugar and gout are also seen occasionally.

Doping

Hydrochlorothiazide is sometimes used by endurance athletes to mask the appearance of other performance-enhancing drugs in the system. For this reason, many professional sporting leagues have banned the substance.

Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg is a common prescription drug and is safe for most patients to use under doctors' supervision. As always, do not take this drug unless a medical professional has ordered it for you.