Brand Names: Aquazide H, HydroDIURIL, Microzide

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide (Pronunciation: hye dro klor o THY a zide)

• What is hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?
• What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?
• What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?
• How should I take hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Microzide)?
• What happens if I overdose (Microzide)?
• What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?
• What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Hydrochlorothiazide treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or kidney disorders, or edema caused by taking steroids or estrogen. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg Cap-TEV

white, imprinted with TEVA, 2080

Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg-MYL

white, imprinted with MYLAN 810

Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg-TEV

white, imprinted with Logo, 4870 12.5 mg

Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg-WAT

turquoise/white, imprinted with WATSON 347, 12.5 mg

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg-APO

round, peach, imprinted with APO, H 25

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg-ESI

round, peach, imprinted with LL, H 14

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg-IVA

round, peach, imprinted with Z 2083

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg-TEV

round, orange, imprinted with TEVA, 2083

Hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg-APO

round, peach, imprinted with APO, H 50

Hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg-IVA

round, peach, imprinted with Z 2089

Hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg-TEV

orange, imprinted with TEVA, 2089

Microzide 12.5 mg

turquoise, imprinted with MICROZIDE, 12.5 mg

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• eye pain, vision problems;
• dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting;
• feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
• fast or uneven heartbeat;
• muscle pain or weakness;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• a red, blistering, peeling skin rash; or
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• diarrhea;
• mild stomach pain;
• constipation; or
• blurred vision.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide capsule) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or if you are unable to urinate.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, glaucoma, asthma or allergies, gout, diabetes, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

There are many other drugs that can interact with hydrochlorothiazide. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.