Hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg Tablets — Generic For Microzide — TEVA

Medication Summary

Medication Summary: This section summarizes DailyMed drug label information to make the label easier to understand. It is not a substitute for the official label, pharmacist counseling, prescriber instructions, or medical advice.

Overview

Hydrochlorothiazide tablets, USP are a diuretic and antihypertensive medicine. They are used as add-on treatment for edema, including edema associated with congestive heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, corticosteroid or estrogen therapy, and certain kidney problems. They are also used to help manage high blood pressure, either alone or with other blood pressure medicines.

This medicine can increase the amount of sodium and chloride the body removes in urine, and it may also cause some loss of potassium and bicarbonate. After oral use, diuresis usually begins within 2 hours, peaks in about 4 hours, and lasts about 6 to 12 hours.

The label notes important risks and precautions, including electrolyte imbalance, low potassium, high uric acid, increased blood sugar, and possible eye problems such as acute angle-closure glaucoma. Hydrochlorothiazide is associated with an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, and patients should protect skin from the sun and undergo regular skin cancer screening.

Storage Information

Dispense in a well-closed container as defined in the USP, with a child-resistant closure (as required). Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Key Counseling Points

• Take exactly as prescribed; therapy should be individualized and the smallest effective dose used.
• The label says blood pressure treatment in adults usually starts at 25 mg daily, and doses above 50 mg daily are often associated with marked reductions in serum potassium.
• Report signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance such as dryness of mouth, thirst, weakness, drowsiness, confusion, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
• Be aware that low potassium can occur, especially with brisk diuresis or prolonged use; periodic serum electrolyte checks are recommended.
• Tell a healthcare professional about all medicines you take, including alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics, antidiabetic drugs, other antihypertensive drugs, lithium, NSAIDs, cholestyramine, and colestipol.
• The label warns that hydrochlorothiazide can cause acute transient myopia and acute angle-closure glaucoma; seek prompt care for decreased vision or eye pain.
• Protect skin from the sun and undergo regular skin cancer screening because hydrochlorothiazide is associated with an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer.
• Use caution if you have severe kidney or liver disease, because the label warns thiazides may worsen these conditions.
• Pregnant or nursing patients should note the labelu2019s warnings about use in pregnancy and that thiazides are excreted in breast milk.
• If moderate or severe adverse reactions occur, the label says thiazide dosage should be reduced or therapy withdrawn.

Helpful Patient Education

Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets, USP are a prescription diuretic and antihypertensive medicine available in 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg strengths. According to the label, it is used for edema associated with certain medical conditions and for the management of hypertension, either alone or with other antihypertensive drugs.

Educational label information also highlights important safety considerations, including electrolyte imbalance, low potassium, changes in blood sugar or uric acid, photosensitivity, eye symptoms, and an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Patients are advised to protect their skin from the sun and have regular skin cancer screening.

Medication Summary last generated: 2026-07-18 02:52:39