HCTZ Side Effects and High Blood Pressure Medication
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While highly effective, HCTZ side effects can be serious in some cases.
High blood pressure is an obvious risk factor for heart disease; however the condition can be controlled effectively by taking pharmaceutical drugs, such as the common generic HCTZ, or hydrochlorothiazide.
Before taking any pharmaceutical, it is important to weigh the risks and the benefits of the drug, before taking it. Not only are there a number of side effects to be aware of when taking this pharmaceutical to treat high blood pressure long-term, but potential interactions with other drugs exist as well.
HCTZ is an effective diuretic prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) by ridding excess salt and fluid in patients. It is also effective in reducing water retention associated with liver and kidney disease. The drug widens the veins and arteries, improving circulation.
What Are Common Side Effects of HCTZ?
The side effects of HCTZ include headache, light-headedness, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, excessive urination, constipation, nasal congestions, depression, tremors and sensitivity to the sun. Most HCTZ side effects occur while the body is still adjusting to the medication.
This pharmaceutical drug interacts with several other drugs, namely generics, dofetilide, cholestyramine, colestipol, diazoxide, digoxin, lithium, propranolol, metoprolol, oxprenolol, decongestants, and MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) and can reduce the drug’s efficiency.
Patients who are especially sensitive to sunlight, and have suffered from diabetes, stroke, gout, lupus, kidney and liver disease should inform their physician prior to taking pharmaceutical drugs to control high blood pressure. The side effects of HCTZ may be much more serious in patients suffering from those conditions.
