Time of Day to Take Hydrochlorothiazide

 Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) comes in tablet and capsule form, and is usually taken by mouth once a day (although some people may take it several times a day). This medication can be taken with or without food.
 
Generally, the best time of day to take hydrochlorothiazide is in the morning. Because the drug increases urination, it is usually recommended to avoid taking it in the evening (to avoid needing to get up to use the bathroom throughout the night). If you take hydrochlorothiazide multiple times per day, it is best to take the last dose of the day before 6 p.m. unless you are instructed otherwise.
 
You should take hydrochlorothiazide at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood. However, some people do not need to take it every day, especially people taking it for fluid retention.
 
(Click Hydrochlorothiazide Dosing for more information about the best time of day to take hydrochlorothiazide and to find out how dosing works for the treatment of high blood pressure and fluid retention.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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