Hydrochlorothiazide: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water tablet). It is a prescription medicine used for high blood pressure, fluid retention and oedema in heart failure. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 9 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Hydrochlorothiazide works

Hydrochlorothiazide is a water tablet that acts on the kidneys, making them pass more salt and water into the urine. This reduces the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and eases swelling. Over time it also helps blood vessel walls relax slightly.

What is Hydrochlorothiazide used for?

• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention
• Oedema in heart failure

Hydrochlorothiazide is used to lower high blood pressure, either on its own or, very commonly, combined in one tablet with other blood pressure medicines such as losartan, valsartan or bisoprolol. It is also used to reduce swelling caused by fluid retention, including oedema linked to heart failure. Keeping blood pressure under control lowers the long-term risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney damage.

Side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide suits most people well, though some notice side effects, especially early on. These may include:

• Needing to pass urine more often
• Dizziness on standing
• Low potassium or sodium levels
• Raised blood sugar or uric acid
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

Get medical help urgently for sudden eye pain or blurred vision, severe weakness or muscle cramps, confusion, fainting, or a severe skin reaction.

Precautions and warnings

• Tell your doctor if you have gout, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or low sodium or potassium levels.
• Your doctor may arrange blood tests to check your salts, kidney function and blood sugar.
• Taking it earlier in the day helps avoid getting up at night to pass urine.
• Long-term use has been linked to a higher risk of some non-melanoma skin cancers, so protect your skin from the sun and report any new or changing skin patches.
• Tell your doctor about other medicines, especially lithium, digoxin and anti-inflammatory painkillers, and speak to them before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions about Hydrochlorothiazide

What is the price of Hydrochlorothiazide in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Hydrochlorothiazide products currently in stock range from Rs 56 to Rs 416 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Diuza Tablets 25mg at Rs 56. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Hydrochlorothiazide are available in Pakistan?

Hydrochlorothiazide is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Corbis (Efroze Chemical Industries (PVT.) Ltd) and Diuza (Zafa Pharmaceutical Labortories Ltd).

Do I need a prescription for Hydrochlorothiazide?

Yes. Hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Hydrochlorothiazide be used during pregnancy?

Tell your doctor about other medicines, especially lithium, digoxin and anti-inflammatory painkillers, and speak to them before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Are all Hydrochlorothiazide brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Hydrochlorothiazide in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Hydrochlorothiazide brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 12 products containing Hydrochlorothiazide from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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