What it means
One of the most common first drugs for high blood pressure, also used for edema. It is often combined in one tablet with other blood pressure drugs. It can lower potassium (hypokalemiahy-poh-kuh-LEE-mee-uhA blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.hypo- belowkal potassium (from its Latin name, kalium)-emia in the bloodFull entry ) and sodium, and raise blood sugar, uric acid (gout) and calcium; it can also make the skin sun-sensitive. Its name looks like hydralazinehy-DRAL-uh-zeenA vasodilator that lowers blood pressure by relaxing the walls of the arteries.Full entry and hydroxyzinehy-DROK-sih-zeenA sedating antihistamine used for anxiety, itching and nausea, and to calm clients before or after surgery.Full entry , and ISMP lists the abbreviation HCTZ as error-prone.
For the nurse
Check blood pressure and potassium, give it in the morning, and teach the client to eat potassium-rich foods if advised, rise slowly and use sun protection. A client with diabetes should watch blood sugar more closely.
At a glance
| Drug class | thiazide diuretic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Microzide |
| Abbreviations | HCTZ (ISMP advises writing the full name) |
| Spanish | hidroclorotiazida |
| Also written | Microzide |
Easy to confuse with
hydralazine
A vasodilator that lowers blood pressure by relaxing the walls of the arteries.
hydroxyzine
A sedating antihistamine used for anxiety, itching and nausea, and to calm clients before or after surgery.
Related terms
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
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.