What is Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone?
Hydrochlorothiazide, also known as a water pill, is a thiazide (water pill). Spironolactone works as a diuretic that reduces potassium.The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone treats fluid retention in patients with congestive cardiac failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney disorders such as nephrotic syndrome. Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone are also used to treat hypertension or low levels of potassium (hypokalemia), which are caused by diuretics.This medicine should not be used for any condition not checked by your physician.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of hydrochlorothiazide or spironolactone.
Side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to your skin (fever or sore throat with burning, pain in the eyes, or skin rash, which is red or purple and blisters or peels), seek emergency medical attention.If you experience a severe drug reaction, seek medical attention. Symptoms include skin rash, fevers, swollen lymph glands, muscle pains, weakness, and unusual bruises.
Both spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Low blood cell counts: easy bruising, unusual bleeds, pale hands and feet, feeling of being light-headed or short-of-breath;
- High potassium level: nausea, tingly feelings, chest pains, irregular heartbeats, and loss of mobility;
- Low potassium level: leg pain, constipation, increased thirst or urination, numbness, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling.
- Low sodium level: headache; confusion; slurred words; severe weakness; nausea. Loss of coordination.
Side effects common to hydrochlorothiazide or spironolactone include:
- Dizziness, fatigue, and drowsiness;
- Leg cramps;
- Weakness;
- Feeling like you might pass out;
- Severe pain spreading from your upper abdomen to your back and nausea or vomiting
- Electrolyte imbalance.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, prednisone, furosemide, and carvedilol
Warnings
If you have a sulfa drug allergy, hypersensitivity, or kidney problems, you should avoid using hydrochlorothiazide or spironolactone.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- Kidney disease or urinary problems
- Liver disease
- High levels of calcium and potassium in the blood
- An allergy to sulfa medications;
- Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disease)
Inform your physician if any of the following apply to you:
- Cirrhosis and other liver diseases
- Severe kidney disease
- Allergies or asthma
- Glaucoma;
- Gout;
- Diabetes
Animal studies have shown that spironolactone can cause certain types of tumors. Tumors may occur in patients who use this medication.Your doctor can inform you about potential risks.This medication has not been found to harm an unborn child. Please notify your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.The use of this medicine by those under 18 is not recommended.
How to take Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Share hydrochlorothiazide or spironolactone only with the person who has the same symptoms as you.You may require frequent medical tests.Certain medical tests can be affected by this medicine. Tell your doctor that you use hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, and any other medications.Tell your surgeon if you will need surgery. It may be necessary to temporarily stop taking the medication.Even if you are feeling well, continue to take this medication if you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often asymptomatic. Blood pressure medication may be needed for the rest of your life.Store away from direct heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Spironolactone 50–100 mg; Hydrochlorothiazide 50–100 mg orally every day in one to two divided doses
Uses:
Treatment of essential hypertension if other measures are deemed inadequate or inappropriate
Treatment of hypokalemia caused by diuretics in hypertensive individuals when other measures are deemed inappropriate
Treatment of hypertension
Adult dose for edema:
Spironolactone 25–200 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 25–200 mg/day in divided doses
Adult dose for congestive heart failure:
Spironolactone 25-200 mg; Hydrochlorothiazide 25, 200 mg, orally in divided doses of 1 to 2.
Uses:
Management of edema or sodium retention in patients who are only partially responsive or intolerable to other therapeutic methods
Treatment of diuretic-induced hyperkalemia when other measures are considered ineffective
Digitalis is used to treat patients with CHF when other treatments are deemed inadequate or ineffective.
Adult dose for ascites:
Spironolactone 25–200 mg orally in divided doses
Use: maintenance therapy along with bed rest, fluid and sodium restrictions, and cirrhosis accompanied by edema or ascites.
Adult dose for nephrotic syndrome:
Spironolactone 25–200 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 25–200 mg/day in divided doses
Use: In nephrotic cases, the treatment of the underlying disease, restriction of fluid and sodium intake, and use of other diuretics do not provide adequate relief.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poisoning, or seek immediate medical attention.Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What should be avoided?
The use of hydrochlorothiazide can increase your risk of skin cancer. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more. You may be asked to undergo regular skin checks by your doctor.
Alcohol consumption with hydrochlorothiazide or spironolactone may cause adverse effects.Use potassium supplements and salt substitutes only if your doctor recommends them.Avoid eating a lot of salt. This medication can be less effective if you consume too much salt.Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Interaction with other drug
Ask your doctor before taking an opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for a data-type="auto" href="https://www.drugs.com/cg/anxiety.html">anxiety/a>. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, or medicine to treat anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Cholestyramine;
- Digoxin;
- Lithium;
- Heart or blood pressure medication, particularly another diuretic.
- Insulin, or oral diabetes medication
- Medicine to prevent blood clots;
- Aspirin, naproxen, celecoxib (aleve), diclofenac (indomethacin), indomethacin (meloxicam), and other nsaids;
- Steroid medicine—dexamethasone, prednisone, or others.
This list is incomplete. Hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, and other drugs can interact with each other. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
