why is the patient taking hydrochlorothiazide course hero

by Sandrine Stamm 3 min read

Can I stop taking hydrochlorothiazide without talking to my doctor?

Do not stop taking hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your doctor. Hydrochlorothiazide may also be used to treat patients with diabetes insipidus and to prevent kidney stones in patients with high levels of calcium in their blood. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medicine for your condition.

What is hydrochlorothiazide used to treat?

Hydrochlorothiazide is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat edema (fluid retention; excess fluid held in body tissues) caused by various medical problems, including heart, kidney, and liver disease and to treat edema caused by using...

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide to treat edema?

When used to treat edema, hydrochlorothiazide may be taken daily or only on certain days of the week. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed.

How should I take hydrocodone hydrochlorothiazide?

Hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet, capsule, and solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice a day. When used to treat edema, hydrochlorothiazide may be taken daily or only on certain days of the week. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully,...

Why is my patient taking hydrochlorothiazide?

Hydrochlorothiazide is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly.

Why was hydrochlorothiazide prescribed?

Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat edema (fluid retention; excess fluid held in body tissues) caused by various medical problems, including heart, kidney, and liver disease and to treat edema caused by using certain medications including estrogen and corticosteroids.

What happens when you take hydrochlorothiazide?

Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of drugs known as diuretics/"water pills." It works by causing you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra salt and water. This medication also reduces extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Why is the patient taking hydrochlorothiazide and what is the primary pharmacologic mechanism of action of the drug?

The drug has been widely used to treat hypertension globally and is relatively very safe. Hydrochlorothiazide acts on the distal convoluted tubules and inhibits the sodium chloride co-transporter system. This action leads to a diuretic action that lowers blood pressure, but there is also a potassium loss in the urine.

Why is hydrochloride used in medicine?

Official answer. Some drugs require a salt to be added to them to ensure that they can dissolve in the stomach or be absorbed into the bloodstream. Sometimes salts make medicine more stable so that it has a longer shelf life.

What is the meaning of hydrochlorothiazide?

Medical Definition of hydrochlorothiazide : a diuretic and antihypertensive drug C7H8ClN3O4S2 —abbreviation HCTZ.

What is the mechanism of action of hydrochlorothiazide?

Mechanism of Action Hydrochlorothiazide inhibits sodium chloride transport in the distal convoluted tubule. More sodium is then excreted in the kidney with accompanying fluid. Pharmacological effects begin in about 2 hours after an oral dose, peak in 4 hours, and lasts for about 6 to 12 hours.

Does hydrochlorothiazide cause dehydration?

This medication may cause a serious loss of body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle cramps/weakness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/thirst, decrease in vision, eye pain.

What causes high blood pressure?

Common factors that can lead to high blood pressure include: A diet high in salt, fat, and/or cholesterol. Chronic conditions such as kidney and hormone problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Family history, especially if your parents or other close relatives have high blood pressure.

What is the pharmacokinetics of hydrochlorothiazide?

Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism Hydrochlorothiazide is not metabolized but is eliminated rapidly by the kidney. When plasma levels have been followed for at least 24 hours, the plasma half-life has been observed to vary between 5.6 and 14.8 hours.

Why is hydrochlorothiazide used for diabetes insipidus?

Abstract. Thiazides have been used in patients with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) to decrease urine volume, but the mechanism by which it produces the paradoxic antidiuretic effect remains unclear.

How does hydrochlorothiazide affect kidney function?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) and accumulation of fluid (edema). It works by blocking salt and fluid reabsorption from the urine in the kidneys, causing increased urine output (diuresis).

What is hydrochlorothiazide used for?

Expand Section. Hydrochlorothiazide is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat edema (fluid retention; excess fluid held in body tissues) caused by various medical problems, including heart, kidney, and liver disease and to treat edema caused by using certain medications ...

What to tell your doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide?

tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

How long after taking hydrochlorothiazide can you take colestipol?

if you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take them 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking hydrochlorothiazide. tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take hydrochlorothiazide.

Does hydrochlorothiazide cause skin cancer?

Hydrochlorothiazide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight and increase your risk of a certain types of skin cancer. Your doctor will check your skin for skin cancers during your treatment with hydrochlorothiazide. Call your doctor if you notice any new skin changes or growths.

Can you take hydrochlorothiazide more often?

Take hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Hydrochlorothiazide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well.