Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Hydrochlorothiazide is a brand name. Its generic name is Amlodipine + Hydrochlorothiazide + Olmesartan.
Introduction
Hydrochlorothiazideis a prescription medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It is a combination of three drugs: Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, and Olmesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
Uses for
Hydrochlorothiazide is used for the treatment of essential hypertension when it is not adequately controlled by monotherapy. It can also be used as an add-on therapy in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
Mechanism of Action
Hydrochlorothiazide works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the elimination of sodium (salt) and water through the kidneys. This helps to lower blood pressure. Amlodipine also blocks the calcium from entering into the cells and arteries of the heart, whereas Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (“water pill”) that works to remove excess salt and water from the body. Olmesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It blocks the action of Angiotensin II which is a hormone in the body that contracts and constricts the arteries, and also works by keeping blood vessels open.
How Long Does it Take to Work
Hydrochlorothiazide, like all medications, will take different amounts of time to work depending on the individual. However, it typically begins to work within 4 to 12 hours after taking the medication. Your blood pressure should be monitored regularly after taking the medication.
Absorption
Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide are rapidly absorbed and Olmesartan is slowly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration.
Route of Elimination
Amlodipine is eliminated by both the kidney and the liver. Hydrochlorothiazide is mainly eliminated through the urine and Olmesartan primarily by the kidneys.
Dosage
The usual starting dose of Hydrochlorothiazide is one 5/12.5/20 mg tablet once a day. Your doctor may decide to increase or decrease the dose depending on your blood pressure. It is important to continue to take this medication even if you feel well. Follow your doctor's instructions for dosage and monitoring of your blood pressure.
Administration
Hydrochlorothiazide is usually taken once a day, with or without food. It is best to take this medication at the same time each day. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects
Hydrochlorothiazide can cause some common side effects, such as dizziness, headache, dry cough, lightheadedness, constipation, muscle or joint pain, nausea, and low quality of sleep. More serious side effects include difficulty breathing, swelling of the legs or arms, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, extreme fatigue, and unusual weight gain.
Toxicity
Hydrochlorothiazide is generally safe and well tolerated when used as directed. Overdose of this medication can lead to serious side effects, and it is important to contact your doctor or the Poison Control Center right away if you have taken an overdose.
Precautions
Before taking Hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor if you have any allergies, or if you have any history of heart disease, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, asthma, gout, lupus, or if you are pregnant or nursing. This medication may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, so it is important to avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it will affect you. Also, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as some may interact with this medication.
Interaction
Hydrochlorothiazide may interact with certain medications, such as other antihypertensive medications or medications for the treatment of diabetes. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and supplement drugs. Always read the label to determine if any drugs should be avoided or require special medical monitoring while taking Hydrochlorothiazide.
Disease Interaction
Hydrochlorothiazide may cause serious interactions with diseases such as heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, lupus, and gout. If you have any of these conditions, make sure your doctor is aware before taking this medication.
Drug Interaction
Hydrochlorothiazide may interact with certain drugs such as diuretics, blood pressure medicines, lithium or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and supplement drugs. Always read the label to determine if any drugs should be avoided or require special medical monitoring while taking Hydrochlorothiazide.
Food Interactions
Hydrochlorothiazide should not be taken with food containing high amounts of potassium. Also, this medication should not be taken with grapefruit juice as it can increase the risk of side effects. It is important to check the labels and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about any food or drug interactions.
Pregnancy Use
Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used during pregnancy, unless prescribed by a healthcare practitioner. It is important to tell your doctor if you become pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant while taking this medication.
Lactation Use
Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used by nursing mothers as it can pass into breast milk, potentially leading to side effects in nursing babies. If you are breastfeeding and taking this medication, it is important to tell your doctor.
Acute Overdose
If an overdose of Hydrochlorothiazide has been taken, immediately contact your doctor or local poison control center. Symptoms of an overdose may include dizziness, headache, and low heart rate.
Contraindication
Hydrochlorothiazide should not be taken if you have an allergy to any of the ingredients in the medication, or if you have a history of angioedema. It is also important to talk to your doctor before taking this medication, if you have any other allergies, or if you have any other medical conditions.
Use Direction
Hydrochlorothiazide should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on the prescription label. Your doctor may periodically change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Storage Condition
Hydrochlorothiazide should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication in a secure container out of reach of young children.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution is a measure of how widely a drug is distributed in the body and is typically expressed as the ratio of the amount of drug in the body to the drug concentration in the plasma. The volume of distribution of Amlodipine + Hydro
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