HCTZ Side Effects: An Overview
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
HCTZ (
hydrochlorothiazide or HCT). However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If HCTZ side effects do occur, in many cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with HCTZ. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of HCTZ side effects with you.)
Specific Side Effects of HCTZ
HCTZ has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with thousands of people worldwide having been evaluated.
In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine
Based on these studies, HCTZ side effects include:
- Weakness, dizziness, or a spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach cramps
- Increased blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Electrolyte imbalances, including low blood sodium (hyponatremia), low blood potassium (hypokalemia), and low blood chloride (hypochloremia)
- Sensitivity to the sun
- Muscle spasm
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Hair loss (see Hydrochlorothiazide and Hair Loss)
- Erectile dysfunction, also referred to as ED or impotence (see Hydrochlorothiazide Sexual Side Effects).
