{"id":52958,"date":"2022-08-03T09:30:44","date_gmt":"2022-08-03T13:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=52958"},"modified":"2025-04-15T15:32:52","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T19:32:52","slug":"how-much-water-should-i-drink-while-on-hydrochlorothiazide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-much-water-should-i-drink-while-on-hydrochlorothiazide\/","title":{"rendered":"How much water should I drink while on hydrochlorothiazide?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hydrochlorothiazide<\/a> (brand name Microzide) is a <\/span>thiazide diuretic<\/span><\/a> commonly prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It can also be used to treat fluid retention (edema) caused by various medical conditions, such as heart failure, liver disease, or certain medications. Hydrochlorothiazide can be prescribed on its own or in combination with other medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Like other diuretics, or water pills, <\/span>hydrochlorothiazide<\/span><\/a> works by increasing urination to help remove water and salt from the body. The increase in frequency and amount of urination can put you at risk for dehydration and may leave you wondering, \u201cHow much water should I drink while on hydrochlorothiazide?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, learn the recommendation for water intake, as well as common dosages, potential side effects, and alternative treatments for hydrochlorothiazide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How much water should I drink while on hydrochlorothiazide?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, can lead to or worsen dehydration due to the increase in urination. As a result, it\u2019s important to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration from occurring, although the specific recommended amount will vary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But don\u2019t start chugging water quite yet, because it’s not always recommended to increase your water intake while on hydrochlorothiazide. In fact, individuals with certain conditions, such as congestive heart failure, may be instructed to reduce their fluid intake\u2014although it\u2019s still important to drink enough to prevent dehydration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause hydrochlorothiazide works at the level of the kidney and part of its mechanism is to make you urinate more, it\u2019s important to remain hydrated,\u201d says Jordan Spencer, DO, a resident physician at the Medical University of South Carolina. \u201cAlthough there\u2019s no specific guideline for water intake while on hydrochlorothiazide, I generally recommend that patients follow the general recommendations for total water intake from the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine as a starting place. I also urge patients to be more mindful of situations where they can become dehydrated; for example, hot weather, vomiting, or persistent diarrhea.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Total water takes into account everything you consume, including water from other beverages, food, and drinking water. According to the <\/span>U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine<\/span><\/a>, the recommended total water intake, including while taking hydrochlorothiazide, is:<\/span><\/p>\n