Worst Pills, Best Pills

An expert, independent second opinion on more than 1,800 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements

hydrochlorothiazide (HYDRA-ZIDE, MICROZIDE)


DISEASE AND DRUG FAMILY INFORMATION

Search results below include Disease and Drug Family Information where your selected drug is a secondary subject of discussion.

Vitamins and Minerals
One promotional strategy of supplement suppliers is to make people worry about whether they are getting enough nutrients. But do most people really need to take vitamins and minerals to supplement their diets? Or are they a waste of money? Are there better alternatives to taking supplements to ensure adequate nutrition? This section will attempt to answer these questions and help you sort through the fact and fiction surrounding nutritional supplements.

DRUG AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENT PROFILES

A comprehensive review of the safety and effectiveness of this drug. If the drug is not a Do Not Use product, information on adverse effects, drug interactions and how to use the medication are included.
Search results below include Drug and Dietary Supplement Profiles where your selected drug is a secondary subject of discussion.

indapamide (LOZOL)
  • We list this drug as a Do Not Use drug because it is no more effective than similar drugs and causes low blood sodium levels.
amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide (MODURETIC)
  • We list this drug as a Do Not Use drug because it is an irrational combination of ingredients and can lead to high blood potassium levels.
spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide (ALDACTAZIDE)
  • We list this drug as a Do Not Use drug because it is an irrational combination of ingredients and can lead to high blood potassium levels, kidney failure, confusion and paralysis.
triamterene (DYRENIUM)
  • We list this drug as a Do Not Use drug because it can lead to high blood potassium levels, kidney stones, kidney failure, and bone marrow toxicity.
nifedipine [short acting] (ADALAT, PROCARDIA)
  • We list this drug as a Do Not Use drug because it can cause low blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
amlodipine and benazepril (LOTREL); felodipine and enalapril (LEXXEL); verapamil and trandolapril (TARKA)
  • We list this drug as a Do Not Use drug because it does not contain any of the first-line treatments for high blood pressure.
clonidine (CATAPRES, KAPVAY, NEXICLON XR); clonidine and chlorthalidone (CLORPRES, COMBIPRES); clonidine transdermal therapeutic system (CATAPRES-TTS)
  • We list these drugs as Do Not Use drugs because clonidine causes depression and missing one or two doses can lead to sweating, tremors, flushing, and severe high blood pressure.
doxazosin [heart] (CARDURA [HEART]); prazosin (MINIPRESS); terazosin [heart] (HYTRIN [HEART])
  • We list these drugs as Do Not Use drugs because they are less effective than first-line treatments for high blood pressure.

WORST PILLS, BEST PILLS NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

Search results below include Worst Pills, Best Pills Newsletter Articles where your selected drug is a secondary subject of discussion.

Study Finds No Survival Differences Between Two Loop Diuretics Used in Heart Failure Patients
October 2023
A recent large adequately powered randomized clinical trial that directly compared furosemide and torsemide found that both drugs are equally effective in improving the survival of patients with heart failure.
Important Drug Interactions for the Potassium-Sparing Diuretic Spironolactone
November 2022
Patients taking the commonly prescribed diuretic spironolactone should be aware that it has clinically important interactions with many other commonly used prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Magnesium Is Best Obtained From Dietary Sources, Not Supplements
February 2022
It is estimated that more than a quarter of adult Americans take a magnesium supplement. However, preference should be given to relying on dietary sources of this critical mineral whenever possible to avoid adverse effects.
Important Drug Interactions for the Hypertension and Angina Drug Nifedipine
August 2021
Patients taking the widely prescribed calcium channel blocker nifedipine (PROCARDIA, PROCARDIA XL) should be aware that it has clinically important interactions with many other prescription medications.
Question & Answer
May 2021
In this month’s Question & Answer feature, we respond to a reader’s question about whether the potassium-sparing diuretic spironolactone (ALDACTONE, CAROSPIR) can cause magnesium deficiency.
Nebivolol (BYSTOLIC): Limited Use for Hypertension
April 2018
When the beta blocker nebivolol was approved by the FDA in 2007, we advised readers not to use the drug until 2015, in accordance with our seven-year rule. Find out why we now have designated nebivolol as Limited Use and whether it is the right choice for treating hypertension.
Magnesium Supplements Not Helpful for Nighttime Leg Cramps
July 2017
Nocturnal or nighttime leg cramps (charley horses) are very common in adults, afflicting nearly half of those over the age of 50. Find out why magnesium supplements are not the solution for this often distressing condition.
Side Effects of Blood Pressure Drugs Often Unmonitored, Unaddressed
June 2017
We discuss new studies confirming that the widely used angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers can potentially harm the kidneys and cause dangerous elevations in blood potassium levels. These studies also indicated that many doctors are not heeding recommenda¬tions to look out for these side effects.
New Hypertension Drug Poses Breathing Risks
May 2013
The article discusses possible breathing risks of nebivolol (BYSTOLIC)and how other, older drugs — just as effective as this relatively new high blood pressure drug — are preferred because more is known about their risks.
Do Not Use Azilsartan (EDARBI) for High Blood Pressure
July 2012
Find out why we recommend that you do not use the recently approved high blood pressure drug azilsartan.
Drug Mix-Ups
June 2011
This article lists 355 drugs with names that are often confused with similar-sounding drug names. Find out what you can do to prevent getting the wrong drug.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Can Make Blood Pressure Hard to Control
February 2009
Twenty different NSAIDS (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs) are listed in this article that can adversely affect your blood pressure control. The article discusses the way in which this happens and what you can do about it.
Medications and the Perils of Too Little Sodium in the Blood
July 2008
Low levels of sodium in the blood are one of the most common laboratory abnormalities and the consequences range from mild and non-specific to life-threatening. The article discusses the symptoms of low blood sodium and lists 53 prescription drugs that can cause it. We urge that both patients and health professionals be alert for symptoms that may signal the onset of hyponatremia if the patient is predisposed to this disorder as a result of their drug therapy or diseases.
DO NOT USE UNTIL 2011 Eplerenone (INSPRA) For High Blood Pressure
December 2003
This statement appears in the professional product labeling, or package insert, for eplerenone: “The principal risk of INSPRA is hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause serious, sometimes fatal, arrhythmias (heart rhythm disturbances).”
Oxybutynin Patches (OXYTROL): A Grossly Overpriced Product For Overactive Bladder
July 2003
You should check the list of drugs that can cause loss of bladder control before starting drug treatment for this condition. You may be able to change from a drug that causes loss of bladder control to a drug that does not or alter the dose. This may be enough to solve the problem.
The Calcium Channel Blocker Verapamil (COVERA HS) For High Blood Pressure - Manufacturer Halts Important Clinical Trial
June 2003
This study does provide additional support to what the National Institutes of Health and the Health Research Group have been saying for years: low-dose hydrochlorothiazide should be the first drug used in the treatment of mild to moderate high blood pressure.
Do Not Use! The Water Pill (diuretic) Indapamide (LOZOL) for High Blood Pressure
January 2003
The August 2002 issue of the Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin reviewed reports of low blood levels of sodium (hyponatremia) induced by the water pill, or diuretic, indapamide (LOZOL). The main symptoms of hyponatremia involve the central nervous system and include lethargy, confusion, stupor, or coma. If you are taking indapamide for high blood pressure, you should ask your doctor why you have not been prescribed hydrochlorothiazide.
Do Not Use! New Safety Warning Added to the Arthritis Drug Valdecoxib (BEXTRA)
January 2003
There is an additional similarity (aside from our listing both as DO NOT USE drugs) between valdecoxib and celecoxib, both are sulfa drugs and individuals who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not use them. Although celecoxib came on the market with a warning about sulfa drug allergy, valdecoxib did not. We previously wrote “It may be a dangerous oversight on the part of the FDA not to have required the same warning for valdecoxib.” Unfortunately, because uninformed patients have been needlessly harmed, our prediction has come to pass.