HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE

Dosage form Tablets, 25 mg

Uses Elimination of excessive fluid (oedema) associated with heart disease (congestive heart failure) or liver cirrhosis. Reduced urine production associated with pregnancy complications (gestosis). Treatment of hypertension. In patients with mild hypertension hydrochlorothiazide together with salt restriction will often be sufficient.

Administration
Hypertension: Start with 50 mg (2 tablets) once daily, preferably in the morning (otherwise the patient will have to get up at night due to enhanced urine production). Dosage should be adjusted according to clinical improvement, normal maintenance doses lie between 25 and 100 mg per day.
Oedema, Adults: Start with 50-100 mg (2-4 tablets) daily (see above). Dosage should be adjusted according to clinical improvement, normal maintenance doses lie between 12.5 and 100 mg per day.
Oedema, Children: Start with 2-3 mg/kg body weight, adjust according to clinical improvement.
Tablets should be taken with meals.

Observe
Adverse effects: Due to increased loss of body fluids, dehydration and hypotension can occur, especially when individual dosage adjustment is not carried out.
Especially patients keeping to a diet that is low in potassium may develop signs of hypokalemia (muscular weakness), same applies to patients with diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
Hypokalaemia may be prevented by eating food rich in potassium like bananas.
Gastrointestinal upset can occur.
Contra-indications: Patients with renal failure or allergy against sulfonamides must not receive hydrochlorothiazide.
Patients receiving lithium preparations should not receive hydrochlorothiazide, otherwise lithium toxicity will substantially increase.

Storage: Store below 30°C, in airtight containers and protect from light. Keep away from children.