Hydrochlorothiazide for Water Retention
One common cause of water retention is
congestive heart failure (CHF). Congestive
heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body. It does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way that it should. This can lead to symptoms of CHF that include: shortness of breath; swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs; and rapid weight gain
(see Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure for more information).
There are many other causes for fluid retention, including kidney failure (renal failure),
cirrhosis, estrogens, and corticosteroids.
Hydrochlorothiazide can help with water retention by helping the body get rid of the extra fluid. Hydrochlorothiazide is approved to treat water retention (edema) when used along with other medications, including other congestive heart failure medications. Hydrochlorothiazide does not cure congestive heart failure or other conditions that cause the body to retain fluid.
How Does Hydrochlorothiazide Work?
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume, which can
lower blood pressure. By removing extra water from the body, hydrochlorothiazide also helps decrease swelling and water retention.
Is Hydrochlorothiazide Used in Children?
Hydrochlorothiazide may be used in children and infants with
high blood pressure or fluid retention, although it has not been thoroughly studied for this age group. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using hydrochlorothiazide in children and infants.
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