How to Avoid HCTZ Side Effects
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It’s important to learn about the many HCTZ side effects in order to take the prescription drug without fear of experiencing bodily harm or injury. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide class diuretic that is widely used to treat patients with heart, kidney or liver problems. The drug comes in prescription and generic form and works to hinder the kidney’s sodium (salt) and subsequent fluid retention, which in turn reduces cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance. This allows more water to flow through the system in order to flush out toxins and may also prevent edema. The side effects of hydrochlorothiazide largely occur due to allergies, preexisting conditions, or mixing HCTZ with alcohol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as Aspirin et al.
HCTZ is also used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart failure and may also prevent kidney stones. Moreover, just as HCTZ can prevent the buildup of sodium in the kidneys, it can also be used to treat osteoporosis by reducing calcium retention, which can stimulate the body's bone formation process.
HCTZ Side Effects
Minor HCTZ side effects include diarrhea, drowsiness, lethargy, stomach pain, and blurred vision. These symptoms are generally not regarded as serious unless they should persist or worsen over time. It’s also not advisable to remain outdoors for extensive periods of time while being treated with HCTZ, which can make a person more prone to receiving sunburns.
Additionally, it’s important for those who have kidney and liver problems, diabetes, or asthma to consult with a doctor who should prescribe HCTZ. High doses of the drug could harmfully exacerbate any of these conditions. More serious side effects of hydrochlorothiazide include a feeling of dry mouth or excessive thirst, a tightening of the chest, irregular heartbeats, vomiting, or nausea
It should also be noted that Hydrochlorothiazide can tamper thyroid test results.
Avoiding Hydrochlorothiazide Side Effects
In order to avoid the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide, it’s imperative to use the drug as directed and disclose any personal conditions or diseases one may have with a doctor to ensure the proper dosage is given. While the associated side effects of this diuretic can be perceived as less serious than the side effects of Aspirin, it is still advisable to take HCTZ with some degree of caution and follow the latest health and medicine news developments brought to you by PrescriptionDrugs.com.
