Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Hydrochlorothiazide.
HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
January 31, 2019
Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of hydrochlorothiazide. To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Cholesterol: Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels may occur when taking hydrochlorothiazide. Your doctor will monitor your cholesterol and triglyceride levels with blood tests while you are taking Hydrochlorothiazide.
Diabetes: Hydrochlorothiazide may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Hydrochlorothiazide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hydrochlorothiazide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: The levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride can be reduced with hydrochlorothiazide. Your doctor will monitor your electrolyte levels with blood tests while you are taking Hydrochlorothiazide. Warning signs or symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance include:
- confusion
- drowsiness
- Dry Mouth
- Low Blood Pressure
- muscle pains or cramps
- muscular fatigue
- nausea and vomiting
- racing heartbeat
- restlessness
- seizures
- thirst
- unusual tiredness
- weakness
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. To prevent low potassium levels, eat foods that are high in potassium (e.g., bananas, dried figs, dates, prunes, nuts). If your potassium level is low, your doctor may suggest a potassium supplement.
Glaucoma: Hydrochlorothiazide may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Hydrochlorothiazide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hydrochlorothiazide, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Hydrochlorothiazide.
Gout: Hydrochlorothiazide may aggravate or cause gout. If you have high levels of uric acid in your blood or a history of gout, discuss with your doctor how Hydrochlorothiazide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hydrochlorothiazide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Hydrochlorothiazide may cause changes in kidney function. If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Hydrochlorothiazide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hydrochlorothiazide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver disease: If you have reduced liver function or progressive liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Hydrochlorothiazide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hydrochlorothiazide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low blood pressure when standing: Hydrochlorothiazide can cause low blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying position (also called orthostatic hypotension). Alcohol and other medications such as Phenobarbital and other medications to treat high blood pressure can increase the chances that this will happen. If you are taking these medications, your doctor may change the dose of these medications and increase them slowly to reduce the chance of you experiencing this.
Sensitivity to sunlight: Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Avoid exposure to sunlight for long periods of time, particularly between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, while you are taking Hydrochlorothiazide and for 7 days after completing treatment. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you notice any unusual skin rash or peeling, contact your doctor immediately.
Skin Cancer: Long-term use of hydrochlorothiazide has recently been connected to an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.
Systemic Lupus erythematosus: Hydrochlorothiazide can worsen or activate the symptoms of lupus. If you experience swollen and painful joints, fever, fatigue, or rash on the nose and cheeks while taking Hydrochlorothiazide, contact your doctor.
Pregnancy: Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Hydrochlorothiazide, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking hydrochlorothiazide, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
