Get Informed: Hydrochlorothiazide

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Although hydrochlorothiazide can decrease your sensitivity to glimeperide, you may still be able to continue to use it while continuing to monitor your blood glucose. As long as your diabetes is controlled by your dose of glimepiride, you may be able to continue to use these medications together.

However, there are other classes of blood pressure medications that can be used in patients with diabetes. In general, ACE-Inhibitors are the class of blood pressure medicines that are prescribed to patients with diabetes because these medications have been shown to also help protect the kidneys over the long-term. ACE-Inhibitors include captopril (Capoten), ramipril (Altace), enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), perindopril (Aceon), lisinopril (Prinivil/Zestril), and benazepril (Lotensin). Treatment decisions should be individualized based on your medical history as well as how well you tolerate the medicine, personal preferences, and cost. Please follow up with your doctor to further discuss the best choice of blood pressure medicine for you.

Posted: 2009-11-01 22:12:53

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

The potassium supplements available over the counter actually have less potassium that eating a banana. You should not add any medications, even over-the-counter supplements, without discussing them with your physician first. If your blood work shows your potassium in the normal range, it is best to continue with what you are currently doing and follow-up as directed by your doctor to continue monitoring your blood levels.

Posted: 2009-08-06 01:03:35

Answer/Reply:

if you are worried about potassium depletion you could eat one banana a day or drink orange juice. The amount of potassium in bananas and orange juice will help to keep your potassium at normal levels. Taking a potassium supplement might give you too much potassium.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-16 11:56:19

Answer/Reply:

I am on lasix and potassium. How come they have me on potassium. I eat potassium foods. Is lasix stronger than this other hypertension med. How often should a person have their levels checked. and what are signs to make you go get blood checked sooner. What is the most widley used drug for small edema sometimes (chf) and pre hyperteention) Just wondering, i would like to try this other med that the 53 year old takes. I am also trying to get rid of an ongoing rash and think it may be the lasix potassium. I am doing the elimination process. this lasix is next. 59 yr old gal

59 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-25 21:57:38

Answer/Reply:

ask your doctor to do blood work to determine your potassium levels...i take HCTZ and potassium so please ask your doctor before adding potassium to your daily routine

susi
crimson_rayne80800@yahoo.com

41 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-17 23:43:18

Answer/Reply:

It is not good to take Potassium without your doctor's ok. Too much Potassium can be dangerous for the heart. Just be sure to drink plenty of water, and be aware of where the bathrooms are! If you feel that you are urinating too frequently, talk to your doctor. The HCTZ may not be the culprit.

65 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 22:40:51

Answer/Reply:

You should contact your Doctor first,however I experienced the same effects and my condition became worse. I became dehydrated and my body started cramping up, I was told that while on this medicine a person needs to drink plenty of water and eat 1 banana a day. I hope this helps.

44 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-20 21:34:37

Answer/Reply:

I was taking 12.5 for several years, Dr, upgraded me to 25mg, I must say I have seen little change in my feeling or urination but again we each have diffrent experiences with any and all med. we take.

69 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-24 18:11:57

Answer/Reply:

I am a nurse in long term care. As long as your blood work is monitored closely and you have normal potassium values, than you are ok on your HCTZ.
I will say it is fairly common for those on this medication to need potassium supplementation but not as much as with Lasix.
Another thing is you did not mention any other medications you may be taking. Some Blood pressure meds will cause potassium rentention and therefore a diuretic will even out those levels.
Unless you have been specifically told not to by your Doctor, a natural way to keep your levels balanced is to include a healthy amount of potassium rich foods in your diet such as bananas, dried fruit, tomatoes, nuts, green vegetables etc.
Good luck to you.

38 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-25 21:39:13

Answer/Reply:

I take HCTZ also and potassium with it for my Meniere's Disease. It is a diarrhetic, and will make you go to the restroom a lot. A proper doctor should take your blood work, and see if you're potassium deficient. Go online, and find an expert. If you're in So. Ca, let me know. A banana is great, but...... Good luck

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-29 14:27:08