What it means
A common short form for hydrochlorothiazide, a diureticdy-yoo-RET-ikA drug that makes the kidneys pass more water and salt out of the body as urine.dia- throughur/o urine-etic relating toFull entry for high blood pressure and swelling. ISMP lists HCTZ as error-prone because it has been read as HCT (hydrocortisone), a very different drug. The safe practice is to write the full drug name.
For the nurse
Write "hydrochlorothiazide" in full. If an order says HCTZ or HCT, clarify it with the prescriber before giving it.
Related terms
hypertension
Blood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.
diuretic
A drug that makes the kidneys pass more water and salt out of the body as urine.
triamterene
A potassium-sparing diuretic: a drug that removes salt and water while keeping potassium in the body.