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Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a group of drugs called diuretics ("water pills"), which help the body get rid of excess fluid.

This medication comes in tablet and capsule forms. Hydrochlorothiazide is usually taken once in the morning, with or without food.

Common side effects of hydrochlorothiazide include frequent urination, weakness, and dizziness.  Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how hydrochlorothiazide will affect you.  

Hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription medication that is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to treat fluid retention (edema) caused by certain medications, congestive heart failure, severe liver disease, and kidney disease. 

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Hydrochlorothiazide is excreted in human breast milk. There is some evidence it may reduce the amount of breast milk produced by women who take it. Because of the possibility for serious adverse effects in nursing infants, you and your doctor will need to decide if you should stop breastfeeding or stop taking hydrochlorothiazide.

• Hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet and a capsule.
• It is usually taken once a day, although it is sometimes taken two or three times a day.
• Because hydrochlorothiazide increases urination, it is best taken in the morning to avoid having to get up in the night to urinate. If you take it more than once a day, take your last dose by late afternoon.
• This medication can be taken with or without food.
• If necessary, hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be split.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Take hydrochlorothiazide exactly as prescribed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you.

For adults with fluid retention (edema) the usual dosage is 25 mg to 100 mg daily. The dose can be split into two smaller daily doses. For some people, hydrochlorothiazide works well if taken on alternate days or on three to five days each week. For infants and children with fluid retention, the dose must be calculated using body weight.

For adults with high blood pressure the usual starting dose is 25 mg daily. The dose may be increased to 50 mg daily, to be taken as a single dose or split into two daily doses. Most people do not need more than 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide daily if it is taken along with another blood pressure medication. For infants and children with high blood pressure, the dose must be calculated using body weight.

If you take too much hydrochlorothiazide, call your local Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention right away.