Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg

Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg — Uses and Benefits

Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg is mainly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention (oedema) linked to various health conditions.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treating high blood pressure, alone or with other blood pressure medicines
• Reducing swelling caused by heart failure
• Reducing fluid build-up due to liver disease
• Reducing fluid retention due to kidney disorders
• Sometimes used to help prevent certain types of kidney stones

HOW IT WORKS

• It acts on the kidneys to increase the amount of salt and water passed out in urine
• This reduces the total fluid volume in the body, which lowers blood pressure
• Reduced fluid volume also helps decrease swelling in the legs, abdomen, or lungs

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a painkiller and does not treat pain or fever
• It does not treat infections
• It is not meant for quick emergency lowering of very high blood pressure
• It should not be used for weight loss

How to Use Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor
• It is usually taken once a day, preferably in the morning, to avoid nighttime urination
• Can be taken with or without food, but taking it after food may reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet with a glass of water
• Do not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well
• Continue regular blood pressure checks as advised by your doctor

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one
• If you miss doses often, set a reminder or ask your pharmacist for tips

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original packaging until ready to use
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Increased urination
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Headache
• Mild stomach upset
• Weakness or tiredness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Low potassium or sodium levels in blood
• Muscle cramps
• Blurred vision
• Loss of appetite
• Mild skin rash
• Increased blood sugar or uric acid levels

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe allergic reaction with swelling of face, lips, or throat
• Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling
• Signs of very low potassium such as severe weakness, irregular heartbeat, or muscle cramps
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Sudden decrease in urine output
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Sudden vision problems or eye pain

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should be taken only under medical supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or other sulfonamide-derived medicines
• Have severe kidney failure with no urine output
• Have severe liver disease
• Have very low blood potassium or sodium levels that are uncorrected

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have diabetes, gout, or high cholesterol
• Have kidney or liver disease
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have a history of lupus or severe allergies
• Are elderly, as you may be more sensitive to its effects

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other blood pressure medicines, as effects may add up
• Lithium, as its blood levels can increase
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which may reduce its effect
• Digoxin, due to increased risk of side effects if potassium is low
• Diabetes medicines, as blood sugar control may change
• Corticosteroids, which can worsen potassium loss

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine with alcohol?

Alcohol may increase dizziness and lower blood pressure further, so it is best to avoid or limit alcohol while on this medicine.

Will this medicine cure my high blood pressure permanently?

No, it controls blood pressure but does not cure it; treatment usually needs to continue long term as advised by your doctor.

Can I take this medicine during pregnancy?

• It should be used in pregnancy only if clearly necessary and under close medical supervision, so inform your doctor if you are pregnant.
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