1. Is Hydrochlorothiazide an Ace Inhibitor?
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide class of diuretic that targets Kidneys for increasing urine output and bringing in a decrease in swelling and blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors are more specific in action, which is brought by blocking of Angiotensin-Converting Enzymes, which inhibits the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Decreased angiotensin II enzyme leads to the dilation of blood vessels which in turn leads to a decrease in blood pressure.
2. Is Hydrochlorothiazide a Potassium Sparing Diuretic?
Hydrochlorothiazide is Non-Potassium Sparing Diuretics. Potassium Sparing diuretics increase urination without loss of potassium from the body. HCTZ however doesn’t restrict the flow of potassium in urine and is thus termed as a non-potassium sparing diuretic
Due to its non-potassium sparing the special precautions are needed when the drug is prescribed to individuals with Kidney Disorders, Liver Disorders, and Diabetes.
3. Can Hydrochlorothiazide Cause Liver Damage?
Hydrochlorothiazide and similar non-potassium sparing diuretics are known to adversely affect the liver causing impaired bile secretion in the liver. HCTZ causes hypokalemia, an increase in plasma concentration of low-density lipoprotein, hyperglycemia, which is hypothesized to cause liver damage.
Various case studies have shown that patients on HCTZ show altered liver function tests indicative of drug interfering with normal liver function.
4. Can I Stop Taking Hydrochlorothiazide?
The Hydrochlorothiazide drug can lead to dehydration symptoms like feeling very thirsty, hot, heavy sweating, dry skin. Some patients may show signs of electrolyte imbalance like confusion, muscle pain, leg cramps. In such a case it is advised to stop the drug and immediately consult your physician for further evaluation.
5. Is There an Alternative to Hydrochlorothiazide?
Hydrochlorothiazide has many alternatives like Potassium Sparing Diuretics like spironolactone are preferred alternatives for the treatment of edema due to congestive heart failure and kidney dysfunction. ACE inhibitors like Captopril have preferred blood pressure-lowering drugs, due to their selective mode of action.
6. Can Hydrochlorothiazide Cause Kidney Damage?
The available literature on Kidney Damage of Hydrochlorothiazide is conflicting. Few studies have observed Hydrochlorothiazide be effective in reducing blood pressure in patients with Chronic Kidney Disorders. Some studies have suggested the electrolyte imbalance caused by Hydrochlorothiazide can be related to adverse effects on kidney function.
7. Can Hydrochlorothiazide Increase Blood Sugar?
Several studies have shown that the use of thiazide diuretics like Hydrochlorothiazide has led to increased glucose levels in patients. Increased blood sugar levels are known side effects of HCTZ. In many undiagnosed cases of diabetes, consumption of HCTZ has led to hyperglycaemic attack leading to detection of latent diabetes.
8. Does Hydrochlorothiazide Cause Hair Loss?
Hair Loss is not a documented side effect of Hydrochlorothiazide. The electrolyte imbalance due to HCTZ can cause itchy and dry skin and scalp. In case you observe excess hair fall while consuming HCTZ please consult your physician and review any other medication that has Hair loss as documented side effects.
9. Will I Lose Weight on Hydrochlorothiazide?
Hydrochlorothiazide is known to increase urine output and this particular effect leads to a rapid decrease of water content in the body. The decrease in water volume will temporarily result in a decrease in weight. However, the drug is not known to cause permanent weight loss. It is not recommended to use Hydrochlorothiazide as a weight-reducing drug and should not be consumed unless prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.
10. Is Hydrochlorothiazide Considered a Water Pill?
Hydrochlorothiazide is considered a water pill as it is responsible for increasing urine output from the body. The increased urination will lead to short term (for few hours to a day) decrease in body weight. However, weight loss comes with an increased risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and an increased risk of severe side effects like hypokalaemia, hyperglycemia if taken without consultation with a physician.
