Hydrochlorothiazide

Diuretic (water pill)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) found in 16 medicines sold in India, such as Telma-H, Telmikind-H 40, Losar-H. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: hctz

What it is used for

Lowers blood pressure by removing extra salt and water.

How it works

A thiazide diuretic (water pill) that makes the kidneys pass more salt and water, lowering blood pressure. Often combined with an ARB.

How to take it

Usually 12.5 to 25 mg once a day in the morning so you are not up at night.

Common side effects

  • Passing more urine
  • Dizziness
  • Low potassium or sodium
  • Raised sugar or uric acid
  • Sensitivity to sunlight

Get medical help straight away if

  • Muscle cramps or weakness, confusion (salt imbalance)
  • Gout attack
  • Sudden eye pain or blurred vision

Be careful

More urination; can lower potassium or raise sugar and uric acid.

Other medicines and interactions

Raises lithium levels. Low potassium is more likely with steroids and laxatives. NSAIDs weaken it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Usually avoided in pregnancy; can reduce milk supply at high doses.

Combination medicines that contain Hydrochlorothiazide (16)

Common questions

What is Hydrochlorothiazide used for?

Lowers blood pressure by removing extra salt and water.

How does Hydrochlorothiazide work?

A thiazide diuretic (water pill) that makes the kidneys pass more salt and water, lowering blood pressure. Often combined with an ARB.

How should I take Hydrochlorothiazide?

Usually 12.5 to 25 mg once a day in the morning so you are not up at night.

What are the side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide?

Common: Passing more urine, dizziness, low potassium or sodium, raised sugar or uric acid, sensitivity to sunlight. Get help straight away for: Muscle cramps or weakness, confusion (salt imbalance), gout attack, sudden eye pain or blurred vision.

Does Hydrochlorothiazide interact with other medicines?

Raises lithium levels. Low potassium is more likely with steroids and laxatives. NSAIDs weaken it.

Is Hydrochlorothiazide safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Usually avoided in pregnancy; can reduce milk supply at high doses.

Does Hydrochlorothiazide need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Hydrochlorothiazide?

Arbitel-H, Cresar H 40, Eritel H, Losar-H, Repace-H, Sartel H, Tazloc-H 40, Telista H, Tellzy-H, Telma-H, Telma-H 80, Telmikind-H 40, Telpres H 40, Telsar H 40, Telsartan-H, Telvas H 40/12.5.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

🔎 Search another medicine

For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.