Aquazide 25mg

             Aquazide 25mg (Hydrochlorothiazide)

Acquazide 25 mg is a prescription medicine for arterial hypertension as a monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. It is also effective in treating oedema of a particular origin:

• Oedema/mild fluid retention associated with chronic mild to moderate heart failure.
• Oedema is a result of nephrotic syndrome only in patients with normal potassium levels.
• Oedema can also be associated with hepatic cirrhosis in stable patients. The medicine should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Hydrochlorothiazide tablets are used to manage hypertension, either as a sole therapeutic agent or to enhance the effectiveness of other antihypertensive agents in case of more severe forms of hypertension.

The medicine helps prevent recurrent calcium oxalate stones in patients with a common abnormality in patients with calcium kidney stones called normocalcaemic hypercalciuria. The medicine is also effective in treating nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (a rare kidney disorder in which the body do not produce or properly use insulin) where treatment with antidiuretic hormone is not indicated. 

A routine dose of diuretics, including Acquazide during normal pregnancy, is inappropriate and exposes mother and fetus to a potential hazard. The medicine does not prevent toxemia (blood poisoning by toxins from a bacterial infection) of pregnancy. There is no evidence that they are useful in the treatment of toxemia.  

The mechanism of action of the antihypertensive effects of Acquazide is still not known. The medicine does not usually affect normal blood pressure.

How to use (infographics and instructions)

Take Acquazide 25 mg as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on the medical condition of the patient. It is best to avoid the medicine at bedtime to prevent waking up at midnights to urinate. It is usually recommended to take medicine once daily. Include banana or orange juice in your daily diet; make sure you avoid taking potassium supplements unless recommended by the doctor. It is important to keep a close eye on blood pressure levels; check it regularly to keep track of your progress. The medicine is a part of a program that should also include a balanced diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation and moderate alcohol intake. You can follow a normal diet but try to reduce salt intake during the treatment. Avoid alcohol or over the counter drugs unless approved by the doctor.    

Precautions (warning, allergy, things to remember)

All diuretics including Acquazide 25 mg is contraindicated in anuria. Discontinue treatment if increasing azotemia and oliguria occur during treatment of severe progressive kidney disorder. The medicine is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the medication or its ingredients. Patients on long-term treatment with hydrochlorothiazide are required to consume a potassium rich diet. Hydrochlorothiazide should be used carefully as it may add to or potentiate the action of other antihypertensive agents.

Side Effects of Acquazide 25 mg

The side effects associated with Acquazide 25 mg is dose-related.  The following side effects have been reported in users of hydrochlorothiazide:

• Digestive problems- jaundice, pancreas, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, anorexia, cramping, constipation, gastric irritation, vomiting
• Hypersensitivity- Anaphylactic reactions, vasculitis, fever, rash, purpura, respiratory distress, including pneumonitis.
• Nervous system problems- headache, restlessness, paresthesia, vertigo, dizziness
• Metabolic disorders- hyperglycaemia, electrolyte imbalance, hyperuricemia, glycosuria
• Musculoskeletal issues- Muscle spasm
• Renal issues- Renal dysfunction, interstitial nephritis, renal dysfunction
• Skin reactions- Exfoliative dermatitis, alopecia, necrolysis, and stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Vision problem- blurred vision, xanthopsia
• Urogenital issues- Impotence

In case of moderate or severe, hydrochlorothiazide dosage should be reduced or treatment discontinued.  

According to clinical trials, hydrochlorothiazide is associated with an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Common symptoms of an overdose include hypokalaemia and dehydration resulting from excessive diuresis.