Hydrochlorothiazide is frequently used for the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, symptomatic edema, diabetes insipidus, renal tubular acidosis. It is also used for the prevention of kidney stones in those who have high levels of calcium in their urine. It is in the thiazide medication class and acts by decreasing the kidneys' ability to retain water.
Microzide is used for treating high blood pressure. It is also used to treat fluid buildup in the body caused by certain conditions (eg, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney problems) or medicines (eg, corticosteroids, estrogen).
Microzide is used for:
Treating high blood pressure. It is also used to treat fluid buildup in the body caused by certain conditions (eg, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney problems) or medicines (eg, corticosteroids, estrogen). It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Microzide is a thiazide diuretic. It helps the kidneys to remove fluid from the body.
Do NOT use Microzide if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Microzide
- you are unable to urinate
- you are taking dofetilide or ketanserin
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Microzide:
Some medical conditions may interact with Microzide . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) to a sulfonamide medicine (eg, sulfamethoxazole)
- if you have gout, liver problems, (eg, cirrhosis), lupus, kidney problems, diabetes, asthma, parathyroid gland problems, or high blood cholesterol or lipid levels
- if you have high or low blood electrolyte levels (eg, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium)
- if you are taking another medicine for high blood pressure
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Microzide . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Digoxin, dofetilide, or ketanserin because the risk of irregular heartbeat may be increased
- Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), corticotropin, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), or narcotic pain medicines (eg, codeine) because they may increase the risk of Microzide 's side effects
- Cholestyramine, colestipol, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because they may decrease Microzide 's effectiveness
- Diazoxide or lithium because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Microzide
- Diabetes medicines (eg, glipizide, metformin) or insulin because their effectiveness may be decreased by Microzide
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Microzide may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Microzide:
Use Microzide as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Microzide by mouth with or without food.
- Microzide may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.
- If you miss a dose of Microzide , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Microzide.
Important safety information:
- Microzide may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Microzide with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Microzide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
- Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement for you. If so, take the potassium supplement exactly as prescribed. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Microzide before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to high temperatures. The risk of certain side effects (eg, low blood sodium levels) may be increased in hot weather.
- Microzide may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Microzide . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
- Microzide may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
- Diabetes patients - Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
- Microzide may interfere with certain lab tests, including parathyroid function tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Microzide.
- Lab tests, including kidney function, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels, may be performed while you use Microzide . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Microzide with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Microzide may cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Microzide while you are pregnant. Microzide is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Microzide , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Microzide:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
- Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; lightheadedness (especially when sitting up or standing); loss of appetite; nausea; temporary blurred vision.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
- Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; dark urine; decreased urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; increased thirst; joint pain, swelling, warmth, or redness (especially of the big toe joint); mental or mood changes; muscle pain or cramps; numbness or tingling; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness; severe or persistent nausea or stomach pain; shortness of breath; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual drowsiness, restlessness, tiredness, or weakness; unusually dry mouth; vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur.
Proper storage of Microzide:
Store Microzide at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Microzide out of the reach of children and away from pets.