Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg Tablets

Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg Tablet is a prescription thiazide diuretic and antihypertensive medicine used to help treat high blood pressure and reduce excess fluid associated with edema. Hydrochlorothiazide works mainly in the kidneys by increasing the excretion of sodium and chloride, with a corresponding increase in water excretion. Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg tablets are available as generic medicines from multiple manufacturers, with formulation, packaging and tablet appearance varying by manufacturer.

Product Information

Generic Name

Hydrochlorothiazide

Strength

25mg

Common Abbreviation

HCTZ 25mg

Drug Class

Thiazide Diuretic

Therapeutic Class

Diuretic / Antihypertensive

Dosage Form

Tablet

Route

Oral

Active Ingredient

Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg

Prescription Status

Prescription requirements vary by country

Product Type

Generic medicine

Reference Brands

Hydrochlorothiazide is marketed under different brand names in different countries, including Microzide®, Esidrix®, HydroDIURIL® and Oretic® in U.S. drug information sources. Exact brand availability varies by market.

Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg for High Blood Pressure

Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg is a commonly used strength of HCTZ for blood-pressure management. Treatment is individualized according to blood pressure response, kidney function, other medicines and the patient's medical history.

Hydrochlorothiazide may be used as monotherapy or as part of combination treatment when additional blood-pressure control is needed. It should be taken exactly as prescribed rather than adjusted independently.

Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg for Edema

Because hydrochlorothiazide increases the elimination of sodium and water, it may be prescribed to help reduce fluid accumulation and swelling. The exact cause of edema is important when determining whether hydrochlorothiazide is appropriate.

Standalone 25mg hydrochlorothiazide products in France and Germany include edema associated with heart, liver or kidney disorders among their approved uses.

Generic Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg

Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg is available from multiple generic manufacturers. Generic products contain hydrochlorothiazide as the active ingredient, but inactive ingredients, tablet color, shape, imprint, packaging and manufacturer can differ.

For example, current U.S. labels show several manufacturers supplying 25mg hydrochlorothiazide tablets, while Germany and France also have multiple generic 25mg products.

How Should Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg Be Taken?

Take Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional. The appropriate dose and treatment schedule depend on the condition being treated, blood-pressure response, kidney function, age and other medicines.

Do not change the dose, stop treatment or use hydrochlorothiazide for another purpose without medical advice.

Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg and Weight Loss

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that increases the elimination of water and electrolytes. A temporary change in body weight from fluid loss is not the same as fat loss. Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used as a weight-loss medicine unless specifically directed for a medically appropriate reason.

Availability & Ordering

Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg Tablet, HCTZ 25mg and generic hydrochlorothiazide products are marketed in multiple countries under different manufacturers and brand names. Availability, prescription requirements, packaging and authorization depend on the exact product and the laws of the destination country.

Where prescription medicines are permitted for online sale, Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg should be supplied through an appropriately authorized pharmacy or healthcare provider and used only according to professional medical advice.

How it works

Hydrochlorothiazide acts on the distal renal tubules, reducing the reabsorption of sodium and chloride. This increases urinary excretion of sodium and water and can also increase the loss of potassium and bicarbonate. The resulting reduction in fluid volume contributes to its diuretic and antihypertensive effects. U.S. labeling notes that diuresis begins after oral administration within roughly two hours, reaches a peak after about four hours and generally lasts around six to twelve hours.

Hydrochlorothiazide is used primarily for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and edema (fluid retention). Depending on the market and the exact product labeling, it may be used for edema associated with disorders affecting the heart, liver or kidneys. French and German product information for standalone 25mg hydrochlorothiazide products specifically lists hypertension and edema among the indications.

Hydrochlorothiazide may be prescribed on its own or in combination with another antihypertensive medicine. Combination products containing hydrochlorothiazide are widely used for blood-pressure treatment in several markets.

Hydrochlorothiazide can affect electrolyte and fluid balance. Important monitoring considerations may include sodium, potassium, kidney function, blood pressure and other laboratory parameters depending on the patient's health status and other medications.

Possible adverse effects include increased urination, dizziness, dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. Hydrochlorothiazide can also increase uric acid and may be relevant in patients with gout.

The FDA advises patients taking diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide to discuss kidney or liver disease and concurrent medicines with their healthcare provider, including potassium supplements, lithium, NSAIDs and several other drug classes.

Hydrochlorothiazide can also cause photosensitivity. Australia's TGA has warned of an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer associated with hydrochlorothiazide-containing medicines and advises effective UV protection and appropriate skin monitoring.

Important Precautions

Hydrochlorothiazide should be used cautiously or avoided in certain clinical situations according to the prescribing information. Tell your healthcare professional if you have kidney disease, liver disease, gout, electrolyte abnormalities, diabetes, lupus, an allergy to sulfonamide medicines, or a history of skin cancer.

Your healthcare professional should also know about all prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines and supplements you are taking.