Uses for Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide is a popular and versatile medication. It is sold under several brand names, and is used in the treatment of medical conditions ranging from diabetes to cirrhosis of the liver. Its flexibility stems from the fact that it is not only a diuretic, but also helps stimulate bone growth and can be mixed with medications to treat a number of complex ailments.
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Hypertension
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Hydrochlorothiazide is indicated for primary treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Since hydrochlorothiazide works by reducing sodium retention in the kidneys, it allows the body to expel greater than normal amounts of water, and the decreased sodium and water volume causes a decrease in the overall blood volume in the patient.
Osteoporosis
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Hydrochlorothiazide is used by many physicians to help treat the early stages of osteoporosis. Hydrochlorothiazide promotes calcium and mineral retention in the kidneys, allowing the body to retain more of its bone mass. Because the primary side effect of osteoporosis is rapid and severe mineral loss from the bones of the body, hydrochlorothiazide helps retard or even stop the loss altogether.
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Heart Failure
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Hydrochlorothiazide can also help treat congestive heart failure. Since hydrochlorothiazide acts as a diuretic, it helps relieve the pressure and blockage around the heart, allowing it to freely pump blood as required.
Kidney Stones
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Because hydrochlorothiazide decreases the output of calcium by the kidneys, it is indicated for use in the treatment of kidney stones. Because more calcium is kept in the kidney, less is excreted in urine, decreasing the amount of accumulation required to form kidney stones.
Edema
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Hydrochlorothiazide is also used to treat edema, or fluid retention, in cardiac and cirrhosis patients. The increased release of fluid from the body while using hydrochlorothiazide causes the body to redistribute fluids and overall swelling decreases.
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