Micardis Hct
Hypertension
40mg + 12.5mg · 80mg + 12.5mg
Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets for high blood pressure. One part relaxes blood vessels, the other removes extra fluid.
From$1.57/ tabletView
Hydrochlorothiazide
Three hydrochlorothiazide products sit on this shelf, each pairing the thiazide diuretic at 12.5 mg with a different angiotensin II receptor blocker: Micardis HCT, Diovan HCT and Hyzaar, all tablets for hypertension.
Diovan Hct
Hypertension
80mg + 12.5mg · 160mg + 12.5mg
Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets for high blood pressure. One part relaxes vessels, the other sheds extra fluid.
From$1.63/ tabletView
Key points
- Each product pairs hydrochlorothiazide with a different angiotensin II receptor blocker: telmisartan in Micardis HCT, valsartan in Diovan HCT, and losartan in Hyzaar.
- Hydrochlorothiazide can lower blood potassium and sodium levels, and thiazides increase the urinary loss of magnesium, which may lead to low magnesium levels.
- As a sulfonamide, hydrochlorothiazide can cause an idiosyncratic reaction leading to acute angle-closure glaucoma, with sudden blurred vision or eye pain usually appearing within hours to weeks of starting treatment.
How does Hydrochlorothiazide work?
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that acts on the kidneys to reduce the amount of salt the body reabsorbs. More salt passes into the urine, and water follows it, which lowers the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. Over time this reduces the pressure against vessel walls.
Lowering blood pressure in this way reduces the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, chiefly strokes and heart attacks. In the products listed here, hydrochlorothiazide is always paired with a second medicine that relaxes blood vessels through a different route, so the two work together to bring pressure down.
Brands and forms in this catalogue
Every product on this shelf is a tablet in the Heart & Blood Pressure category, and the hydrochlorothiazide component is fixed at 12.5 mg in all three. What changes is the partner drug and its strength: Micardis HCT pairs it with telmisartan at 40 mg or 80 mg, Diovan HCT with valsartan at 80 mg or 160 mg, and Hyzaar with losartan at 12.5 mg, 25 mg or 50 mg.
Because each combination includes a drug that acts on the renin-angiotensin system, the label carries a boxed warning: these medicines can cause injury and death to a developing fetus, and should be stopped as soon as pregnancy is detected. That warning applies to the ARB partner, not to hydrochlorothiazide on its own.
Further reading
What is hydrochlorothiazide used for?
Hydrochlorothiazide is used for hypertension. It is also used for stroke prevention.
How long does hydrochlorothiazide take to work?
Hydrochlorothiazide starts to work within 1 to 2 hours, and its effect lasts 24 hours.
What are the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide?
Common side effects include dizziness, headache and fatigue. It can also cause electrolyte depletion and hypotension, and serious effects such as angioedema or severe acute kidney injury need immediate medical attention. It can lower blood potassium and sodium levels and increase urinary loss of magnesium, so speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any side effects.
Who should not take hydrochlorothiazide?
Hydrochlorothiazide is contraindicated in pregnancy, anuria and severe renal impairment. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of these apply to you.
Can hydrochlorothiazide be taken with other medicines?
Hydrochlorothiazide can interact with lithium, NSAIDs and potassium supplements. Some combination tablets pair it with an angiotensin II receptor blocker such as telmisartan, valsartan or losartan. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining medicines.
In which products can I find hydrochlorothiazide?
On Direct Meds, hydrochlorothiazide comes as Micardis Hct, Diovan Hct and Hyzaar. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
What are other names for hydrochlorothiazide?
In South Africa it is also sold as Ridaq. Names differ from country to country, so the active ingredient is the surest way to compare products.
How much does hydrochlorothiazide cost in South Africa?
Compare the rand prices for each product, strength and pack above. Prices are converted from US dollars. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Can I buy hydrochlorothiazide over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order hydrochlorothiazide. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver hydrochlorothiazide to South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →