Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that works by causing the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. This action reduces swelling/fluid buildup and lowers blood pressure, which helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Dosage by Body Weight
For adults, the typical starting dose for hypertension is 12.5 mg to 25 mg orally once daily. For edema, the dose ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg daily. It is recommended to take this medication in the morning to prevent waking up during the night to urinate. Pediatric dosing is weight-based (usually 1 to 2 mg/kg/day in single or divided doses) and must be carefully supervised by a physician.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and effectiveness in infants under 6 months of age have not been established. Requires strict medical supervision.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 5 mg to 14 mg total daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two equal doses
- Tracking Notes
- Based on standard pediatric dosing of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day. Liquid formulations may be preferred for accurate dosing.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 8 mg to 20 mg total daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two equal doses
- Tracking Notes
- Based on standard pediatric dosing of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day. Monitor electrolytes and fluid status.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 11 mg to 30 mg total daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two equal doses
- Tracking Notes
- Based on standard pediatric dosing of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day. Dosage adjustments should be made under clinician guidance.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 16 mg to 37.5 mg total daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two equal doses
- Tracking Notes
- Based on standard pediatric dosing of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day. Maximum pediatric dose typically does not exceed 37.5 mg daily for this weight range.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and effectiveness in infants under 6 months of age have not been established. Requires strict medical supervision. |
| 5-7 kg | 5 mg to 14 mg total daily | Once daily or divided into two equal doses | Based on standard pediatric dosing of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day. Liquid formulations may be preferred for accurate dosing. |
| 8-10 kg | 8 mg to 20 mg total daily | Once daily or divided into two equal doses | Based on standard pediatric dosing of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day. Monitor electrolytes and fluid status. |
| 11-15 kg | 11 mg to 30 mg total daily | Once daily or divided into two equal doses | Based on standard pediatric dosing of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day. Dosage adjustments should be made under clinician guidance. |
| 16-20 kg | 16 mg to 37.5 mg total daily | Once daily or divided into two equal doses | Based on standard pediatric dosing of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day. Maximum pediatric dose typically does not exceed 37.5 mg daily for this weight range. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney disorders, or corticosteroid therapy.
Generic Name
HydrochlorothiazideBranded Drug Names
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.