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SIDE EFFECTS: You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, stomach upset, or heartburn as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual thirst, weakness, confusion, fast heartbeat, fainting, decreased sexual ability.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusual change in the amount of urine (not including the normal increase in urine when you first start this drug), seizures, stomach/abdominal pain, severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual fatigue, muscle pain/tenderness/weakness.An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to ACE inhibitors (e.g., benazepril, captopril); or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: urinary problems (inability to make urine or anuria).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, severe loss of body fluids (dehydration through excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea), mineral/electrolyte problems (e.g., imbalance of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium), gout, lupus, high levels of fats in the blood (high cholesterol or triglycerides), asthma.If you have diabetes, this medication may affect your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of your medications used to treat diabetes (e.g., insulin, glipizide). Monitor your blood sugar levels as instructed and tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of high blood sugar (e.g., increased thirst, unusual tiredness, vision changes, fruity breath odor).This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.Hydrochlorothiazide may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the dizziness effect.This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk for harm to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.)Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended due to the potential harm to the nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.