What Is Hydrochlorothiazide Used For?

What is hydrochlorothiazide used for? Hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription medicine that is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. The medication is licensed for use in both adults and children or infants. Occasionally, hydrochlorothiazide is used for off-label purposes, including the treatment of certain types of diabetes insipidus and water retention due to premenstrual syndrome.

An Overview of Hydrochlorothiazide Uses

 Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat a few conditions. These specific hydrochlorothiazide uses include:
 
o Kidney disease or kidney failure (renal failure).
Hydrochlorothiazide is available as a generic and is also sold under several brand names, including: Esidrix®, Microzide®, HydroDIURIL®, and Oretic®. It is sometimes referred to as HCTZ or HCT for short.
 
Hydrochlorothiazide for High Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
Based on clinical studies, hydrochlorothiazide has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, hydrochlorothiazide can decrease the risk of developing health problems (such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure) that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). Hydrochlorothiazide is not a cure for high blood pressure.

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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