Aquazide 12.5 mg contains the active ingredient Hydrochlorothiazide, which belongs to a group of medicine known as thiazide diuretics. It is a medicine that increases the volume of urine. It should be best used under the doctor’s supervision. Hydrochlorothiazide is used to help relieve fluid retention and lower blood pressure. It works by making you go to the toilet more often and passing more urine. Sometimes it can be used to treat high calcium levels in the bloodstream.     

You must take Aquazide exactly as your doctor has advised and not give it to other people. Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered. Your fluid retention or high blood pressure still needs treatment, even if you feel fine. To avoid going to the toilet too often during the night, Hydrochlorothiazide can be administered in the morning. If more than once a day is required, give the last dose at 6 pm. Ask your doctor for more information. Hydrochlorothiazide may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Patients unable to swallow the tablet can crush it and then swallow it with a glass of water. Salt levels in the blood may need to be regularly monitored depending on other medications.  

Care must be taken when Aquazide 12.5 mg with some other medications. Check with your doctor before using any other medication, including those you buy without a prescription from the pharmacy or health care shop. This is important for lithium, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids, warfarin, anti-cancer agents, blood pressure-lowering drugs, anti-diabetic agents, digoxin, and other diuretics. The list is incomplete; talk to your doctor about possible interactions with any over-the-counter or complementary medicines or recreational substances. Dizziness or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. This is due to a decrease in blood pressure when rising. Getting up slowly may help you prevent this condition. Some people taking diuretics are more sensitive to sunlight than people who are not taking them. Therefore, adequate sun protection is necessary. Be sure to wear sunscreen of SPF at least SPF 15 and use protective clothing.

Do not discontinue treatment without first checking with your doctor. Avoid taking this medicine if you have a history of an allergic reaction to sulpha drugs.   

Side effects are uncommon in most patients and usually depend on the dose needed. They may go away with time or after the dose has been changed. Others are more serious and need you to check with your doctor. Less serious side effects include headache, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, upset stomach, thirst, or dry mouth. More serious side effects of Aquazide include muscle weakness, frequent urination, constipation, persistent infection, jaundice, dehydration, abnormal bleeding, and a fast heartbeat.