We consider drugs and medications to be very useful in treating or curing diseases and maintaining optimum level of health. However, these substances should always be taken under the supervision of a professional or a registered health worker such as doctors in order to attain its therapeutic effects for the body. Once these drugs are taken illegally and inaccurately or inappropriately by our system, they can cause harm and danger to health, which can even lead to death. Because of these, drugs should never be taken lightly and should never be administered without the prescription of the physicians. These are some of the reasons why we must be cautious and aware of the different facts and details pertaining to these pharmacologic substances. One particular drug that needs complete accuracy during administration is HCTZ. But what is the meaning of HCTZ and what are the different side effects of HCTZ.
What is HCTZ?
What is HCTZ? HCTZ is actually an abbreviated form of a name of a drug. This drug is called hydrochlorothiazide and it is considered a prescription medication. This medication is a water pill that is used in the treatment of hypertension and fluid retention in the body. These are usually the results of different ailments such as liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure and kidney failure. However, if this drug is taken wrongly, it can also cause different negative side effects for the body. So what are the common HCTZ side effects?
There are actually a number of side effects that can possibly occur in taking HCTZ. However, in general most of these side effects are considered to be minor as they tend to go away once the body has already adjusted with the medication. Some of these minor side effects include lightheadedness (especially when standing or sitting up), loss of appetite, dizziness, constipation and diarrhea, nausea and the presence of blurry vision. Although these are expected to subside after a few hours of taking the drug, these can also worsen in some cases. Once this happens, it is already necessary to seek immediate help from the doctor.
Discovering the Serious Side Effects of HCTZ
If there are minor side effects, there can also be possible serious reactions to the body in taking HCTZ. In case serious side effects are experienced, it is already vital to seek for immediate emergency medical assistance. Some of the potential hazards in taking this drug include mental and mood changes, muscle cramping, muscle aches, darkening of the urine color, decrease in urine frequency, abnormal or rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), extreme nausea and increase thirst drive. Other symptoms can also include joint aches, redness and swelling of the joints particularly on the largest toe, peeling and blistering of the skin, convulsions, extreme dizziness, shortness of breath and as well as abnormal bleeding and or bruising. Other side effects that also need immediate attention are weakness, fatigue, yellowing of the skin or the eyes (jaundice), presence of tingling and or numbing, chills, fever and the appearance of sore throat.
Different Allergic Reactions of the Body from HCTZ Use
Aside from the harmful side effects of the drug in the system, HCTZ can also possibly cause allergic reactions to the body. Once these reactions are noticed, it is also crucial to get immediate help from the doctor. Some of the common allergic reactions of the body from HCTZ include the swelling of the tongue, mouth, lips, and the face, tightening of the chest, presence of severe itching, skin rashes, difficulty on breathing and the development of hives.
Additional Precautions in Using HCTZ
In taking HCTZ, it is a must to be cautious of its possible side effects. It is ideal to consult a doctor first before using this type of medication. This is the reason why it is classified as a prescription drug in order for it not to be used easily by anyone. It is also important to open up all medical histories and allergies of the body in order for the physician to assess whether HCTZ is safe to use. Some of the diseases that contradict the use of this drug are asthma, gout, and allergies to sulfa drugs. Diabetes and liver or kidney problems should also be disclosed to the doctor. People with any of these ailments are required to undergo tests and screening examinations in order to evaluate whether the drug can be used by the body. An overdose of this medication is also considered a top priority in medical emergencies. Some of the initial symptoms of HCTZ overdose are drying of the mouth, weakness, nausea, muscle ache and thirst. Most of these symptoms will appear soon after taking the medication.
These are just some of the common and possible side effects of the drug HCTZ to the body. As we can see, this particular drug is not similar to a common cold or cough remedy. HCTZ requires complete guidance from doctors in order for it to work properly for the body and not against it.
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