If you have hypertension, your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication such as hydrochlorothiazide, but you should know benefits and side effects before you take it.
Hydrochlorothiazide is the generic name of the branded drugs Microzide, Aquazide H, and HydroDIURIL. This drug is a thiazide diuretic, or water pill, that prevents the body from absorbing excess salt, which can cause fluid retention.
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According to Everyday Health, hydrochlorothiazide is the second-most commonly prescribed antihypertensive in the United States, but researchers are not certain how or why the drug works to lower blood pressure.
Most blood pressure medication is prescribed in combination with other antihypertensive drugs and recommended lifestyle modifications including weight loss and dietary restrictions.
Like most drugs, hydrochlorothiazide can produce side effects in some patients. Most commonly, upset stomach, dizziness, or headache can occur, particularly in the beginning of treatment as the body adjusts to
blood pressure medication, explains WebMD. To reduce dizziness, patients are advised to get up slowly from seated or lying down positions. In some cases, a loss of vision or eye pain can occur. This is considered a serious side effect, and a physician should be contacted immediately.
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Because hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, it can cause serious dehydration and a loss of salt and minerals from the body. When this occurs, patients can experience muscle cramps and weakness, unusual decreased urination, slow or fast irregular heartbeat, and unusual dry mouth, cautions WebMD. These are also serious side effects that will require medical attention and possibly discontinuation of treatment.
Other side effects like vomiting, nausea, fatigue, seizures, and weakness could point to another condition called hypokalemia or potassium loss. While taking hydrochlorothiazide, it may be necessary to take a potassium supplement or eat foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, to counteract this effect, warns Everyday Health.
WebMD says if your doctor has prescribed blood pressure medication, it is because they feel the benefits of the drug outweigh the potential risks. However, be sure to tell your doctor about any other drugs you are taking to avoid the potential for adverse interactions.
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