Hydrochlorothiazide is a medication used in the treatment of hypertension. It is a form or diuretic or more commonly known as “water pill” which mainly works by getting rid of excess water and salt from the body, resulting in excessive urine. Lowering the blood pressure also helps in preventing kidney problems, heart attacks and even strokes

Besides controlling Hypertension, hypertensive patients savor other benefits from using this medicine.

Hydrochlorothiazide also removes excess fluid (edema) from the body. Edema is caused due to certain medical conditions such as liver and kidney diseases, and congestive heart failure. Shedding extra water from the body also reduces the fluid inside the lungs making it easier to breathe. Removal of excessive water helps decrease swelling in many parts of the body such as the abdomen/ stomach, limbs (arms and legs).

Hydrochlorothiazide can be used to treat diabetes insipidus (water diabetes), as well as preventing calcium kidney stones.

However, it is seen that the best results, relative to lowering blood pressure, is obtained by a combination of benazepril (Lotensin) and hydrochlorothiazide. Lotensin is a type of angiotensin - converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Angiotensin - Converting Enzyme in the body causes constriction of blood vessels, hence, increasing blood pressure. Lotensin works by blocking the ACE, resulting in the prevention of blood vessel constriction.