Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. It increases the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose salt and water. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure. It is also reduces the swelling and water retention caused by various medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease.
If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar carefully. Using metoprolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar. Your insulin or diabetic medication needs may change while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol. Talk with your doctor before changing any doses. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can lower your blood pressure and may add to the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, kidney or liver disease, cirrhosis, asthma or bronchospasm, gout, lupus, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. The usual dosage is 25 to 100 mg daily as a single or divided dose.
Hydrochlorothiazide is used for the elimination of excess fluid from the body. These conditions include congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, corticosteroid and estrogen therapy, and kidney disorders. When used for high blood pressure, hydrochlorothiazide can be used alone or with other high blood pressure medications.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks. This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Side effects may include: abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dizziness upon standing up, headache, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, low potassium (leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or cramps), stomach irritation, stomach upset, weakness.