Antihypertensive(HCTZ)) drug raising BP?

[ejensen]

Anithypertensive (HCTZ) drug raising BP?

I've been trying for over a year to lower my BP with diet and exercise. While I've had some success, my BP still runs in the 145/85 +/-10/+/-5 range. So yesterday at my annual physical I discussed this with my GP. He prescribed 12.5 mg of HCTZ. This morning a couple hours after my second pill, I measured my BP at home as high as I've ever seen it 169/96. I went to the Doc's office and they confirmed with 170/100 (office yesterday was 138/84). He couldn't think of any reason a diuretic could cause this. He maybe stress due to starting treatment. He is having me try losartan over the weekend.

I'm 51, non-smoker (10 yrs), moderate drinker, 6'2", 185#, not on any other drugs and otherwise in excellent health. Feel better than I have in years due to the exercise program.

Main question is if anyone has heard of this type of reaction even if rare? I have doubts about the stress suggestion since I feel better to have started addressing the high BP. But then who knows

 

[bbchien]

Hydrochlorothiazide is OK if it comes with the hypertensive workup!

 

[ejensen]

Hydrochlorothiazide is OK if it comes with the hypertensive workup!

Can you briefly describe your version of the workup?

Eric

 

[poadeleted20]

HCTZ (aka "Hydrodiuril") is on the FAA approved list for treatment of hypertension, but I gotta say the side effects are a bit unnerving:

Body as a Whole: Weakness.

Cardiovascular: Hypotension including orthostatic hypotension (may be aggravated by alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics or antihypertensive drugs).

Digestive: Pancreatitis, jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice), diarrhea, vomiting, sialadenitis, cramping, constipation, gastric irritation, nausea, anorexia.

Hematologic: Aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia.

Hypersensitivity: Anaphylactic reactions, necrotizing angiitis (vasculitis and cutaneous vasculitis), respiratory distress including pneumonitis and pulmonary edema, photosensitivity, fever, urticaria, rash, purpura.

Metabolic: Electrolyte imbalance (see PRECAUTIONS), hyperglycemia, glycosuria, hyperuricemia.

Musculoskeletal: Muscle spasm.

Nervous System/Psychiatric: Vertigo, paresthesias, dizziness, headache, restlessness.

Renal: Renal failure, renal dysfunction, interstitial nephritis. (See WARNINGS.)

Skin: Erythema multiforme including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis including toxic epidermal necrolysis, alopecia.

Special Senses: Transient blurred vision, xanthopsia.

Urogenital: Impotence.

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The last one is what REALLY gets me...although I think "transient blurred vision" might be a real problem for flying.