Generic Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill). Generic Hydrochlorothiazide is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and other conditions that require the elimination of excess fluid (water) from the body. These conditions include congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, corticosteroid and estrogen therapy, and kidney disorders.

When used for high blood pressure, Generic Hydrochlorothiazide can be used alone or with other high blood pressure medications. Generic Hydrochlorothiazide contains a form of thiazide, a diuretic that prompts your body to produce and eliminate more urine, which helps lower blood pressure.

Generic Hydrochlorothiazide may be taken with or without food. Take Generic Hydrochlorothiazide exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose Generic Hydrochlorothiazide: If you forget a Generic Hydrochlorothiazide dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose of Generic Hydrochlorothiazide, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses of Generic Hydrochlorothiazide at the same time.

Storage instructions for Generic Hydrochlorothiazide: Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light, moisture, and freezing cold. Store at room temperature.

Preparations of Generic Hydrochlorothiazide:
Tablets: Generic Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg, Generic Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Generic Hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg, Generic Hydrochlorothiazide 100 mg.

Generic Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Generic Hydrochlorothiazide.

If Generic Hydrochlorothiazide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Generic Hydrochlorothiazide with the following:

• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital, Cholestyramine (Questran), Colestipol (Colestid),
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone and ACTH, Digoxin (Lanoxin),
• Drugs to treat diabetes such as insulin or Micronase, Lithium (Lithonate),
• Narcotics such as Percocet,
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Naprosyn, Norepinephrine (Levophed),
• Other high blood pressure medications such as Aldomet ,
• Skeletal muscle relaxants, such as tubocurarine.

Side effects of Generic Hydrochlorothiazide cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Generic Hydrochlorothiazide.

Side effects of Generic Hydrochlorothiazide: May include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dizziness upon standing up, headache, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, low potassium (leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or cramps), stomach irritation, stomach upset, weakness.

Less common or rare side effects of Generic Hydrochlorothiazide may include: Anemia, blood disorders, changes in blood sugar, constipation, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fever, fluid in the lung, hair loss, high levels of sugar in the urine, hives, hypersensitivity reactions, impotence, inflammation of the lung, inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the salivary glands, kidney failure, muscle spasms, nausea, rash, reddish or purplish spots on the skin, restlessness, sensitivity to light, skin disorders including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (blisters in the mouth and eyes), skin peeling, tingling or pins and needles, vertigo, vision changes, vomiting, yellow eyes and skin.