Medical Uses of Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat edema, swelling, hypertension, heart failure and kidney stones. There are many medical uses of hydrochlorothiazide, and it is important to know them. This drug has the potential to have a life-saving effect on many illnesses, both chronic and sudden.

What is it

A diuretic, it works by causing kidneys to absorb less salt. A drug in the class known as thiazide, it is a commonly prescribed drug in the US, and it is also known as HCTZ. Usually dispensed from pharmacies in its generic form, it is also available as Hydrochlorot, Microzide and Hydrodiuril.

Possible side effects

Despite its relatively safe use, it, like any drug, has side effects that may warrant a lower dose or discontinuation of the medication. The most common side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting and weight gain. Less common side effects are hypokalemia (low potassium), hypomagnesemia (very low levels of magnesium) and elevation of lipids in the blood, which is known as hyperlipidemia.

There are many excellent uses of HCTZ. Its use can prevent damage to kidneys due to high blood pressure, prevent and treat heart failure and cut down the risk of kidney stones. Knowing the proper uses helps a patient to work in concert with his or her doctor to decide on the proper treatment for a disease, and it prevents the improper prescribing of this common drug for a condition that it is not designed to treat.