Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 6/6/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

The use of hydrochlorothiazide can lead to various side effects in some individuals.

Common mild side effects of hydrochlorothiazide use include:

• Frequent urination
  
• Headache
  
• Nausea
  
• Dizziness
  
• Lightheadedness
  
• Electrolyte imbalances
  
• Hair loss
  
  

More severe side effects of hydrochlorothiazide use can include:

• Vision changes
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Signs of dehydration like lightheadedness, weakness, confusion, fast heartbeat, or cramps
  
• Swelling
  
• Chest pain
  
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
  
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
  
• Fever, sore throat, or chills
  
• Joint pain
  
• Gout attacks
  
• Skin sensitivity to the sun
  
  

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking hydrochlorothiazide, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with hydrochlorothiazide. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with hydrochlorothiazide.

Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:

• Other diuretics
  
• Blood pressure medications
  
• Corticosteroids
  
• Lithium
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  
• Diabetes medications
  
  

You should also mention medical conditions such as:

• Kidney disease
  
• Liver disease
  
• Gout
  
• Lupus
  
• Diabetes
  
• Electrolyte imbalances
  
• Asthma
  
• Skin cancer
  
• High cholesterol
  
• Parathyroid disease
  
• Pancreatitis
  
  

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using hydrochlorothiazide with your healthcare provider.

Take hydrochlorothiazide exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.

Hydrochlorothiazide can cause dizziness. Because of this, you should not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

It's important to complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel better, to ensure the medication's effectiveness in managing your condition.

In case of a hydrochlorothiazide overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, confusion, or unusual tiredness. If you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.