hydrochlorothiazide
Esidrix, Hydro-chlor, Hydro-D,
HydroDIURIL, Microzide, Neo-Codema
(CAN), Novo-Hydrazide (CAN), Oretic,
Urozide (CAN)
Nursing Considerations
• Give hydrochlorothiazide in the morning
and early evening to avoid nocturia.
•Monitor fluid intake and output, daily
weight, blood pressure, and serum levels
of electrolytes, especially potassium.
• Assess for evidence of hypokalemia, such
as muscle spasms and weakness.
•Monitor BUN and serum creatinine levels.
• Check blood glucose level often, as
ordered, in diabetic patients, and expect to
increase antidiabetic dosage, as needed.
• If patient has gouty arthritis, expect
increased risk of gout attacks during therapy.
PATIENT TEACHING
• Advise patient to take hydrochlorothiazide
morning and early evening to avoid awakening
during the night to urinate.
• Instruct patient to take drug with food or
milk if adverse GI reactions occur.
• Tell patient to weigh herself at the same
time each day wearing the same amount
of clothing and to notify prescriber if she
gains more than 2 lb (0.9 kg) per day or
5 lb (2.3 kg) per week.
• Instruct patient to eat a diet high in potassium-
rich food, including citrus fruits,
bananas, tomatoes, and dates.
• Advise patient to change position slowly
to minimize effects of orthostatic
hypotension.
• Urge patient to report decreased urination,
muscle cramps and weakness, and
unusual bleeding or bruising.
