Hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription diuretic sold under both generic and trade name. It is often abbreviated HCTZ. Classified as a thiazide diuretic, it helps to rid the body of excess fluid. The U.S. National Library of Medicine explains that this medicine also forces the kidneys to release excess salt into the urine. It is given as an oral capsule or tablet. When a drug is tested for its efficacy in a certain condition, its approval leads to the FDA giving the drug certain "indications." These indications describe the conditions for which the medication has been proven safe and effective. U.S. physicians are allowed to prescribe drugs for reasons other than those listed as an indication.
Hypertension
Hydrochlorothiazide has long been prescribed for hypertension, or high blood pressure. In this indication, the drug lowers the pressure because it causes the body to release extra water and salt. It is sometimes prescribed in conjunction with another medication that reduces blood pressure in a different way, such as an ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker, calcium channel blocker or an angiotensin II receptor blocker. A typical dose of hydrochlorothiazide for blood pressure reduction is 25 to 50 mg per day.
Kidney Impairment
The kidneys filter waste from the blood and add it into urine, which is then eliminated from the body. An impairment can alter the kidney's ability to filter the blood or make the right amount of urine. The "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide" explains that this medicine is indicated for kidney impairment. Typical dosage is 25 to 100 mg per day.
Heart Failure
Another indication for hydrochlorothiazide is heart failure. Specifically, it treats the edema (swelling) associated with the altered pumping of the heart. It is meant to be given along with other medications for heart failure. Typical dosage for this indication is 25 to 100 mg per day or as needed.
Cirrhosis
Patients with cirrhosis may also experience edema, due to liver scarring and poor liver function. This liver damage causes an electrolyte imbalance in the body. This imbalance, along with other factors, causes edema in the patient with cirrhosis. HCTZ is indicated for treatment as long as it is given with other medication for cirrhosis. Typical dosage is 25 to 100 mg each day or as needed.
Long-Term Drug Therapy
Long-term use of drugs in the classes of estrogens and corticosteroids, causes edema in many patients. If this is bothersome, the physician may order hydrochlorothaizide to reduce the swelling. Typical dosage for these indications is 25 to 100 mg per day or as needed.
References
- "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide"; Amy M. Karch, R.N., M.S.; 2010
- Drugs.com: Hydrochlorothiazide
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Hydrochlorothiazide
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Reference Card From the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure
