Gout and HCTZ

HCTZ is really a water pill or a thiazide diuretic.
Also known as hydrochlorothiazide. ( Gout and HCTZ are a dangerous combination - be wary of this)
Patients are given this prescription for fluid retention, cirrhosis of the liver and kidney disorders. It also helps the body from absorbing too much salt which also causes fluid retention.

If you have gout and take HCTZ then you need to be aware of potentially dangerous cocktails of pills you may be taking for Gout mixed with HCTZ.
You must Seek and inform a medical practitioner before taking this medicine.
It cannot be mixed or taken with NSAIDS, Lithium, steroids, blood pressure medications, vitamins and mineral mixes.
You must inform your doctor if you are taking any drug or have Kidney problems or diseases, liver disease, pregnant, asthma, allergies, diabetes and most importantly GOUT.

If you have taken HCTZ with any other medicine without knowing of the consequences you may be affected by :
diarrhea, blurred vision, dry mouth and nausea,drowsiness,skin rashes, dark urine, funny off colored stools.

Research looking into Gout and Diuretics in Hypertensive Patients

Allan S. Brett, MD reviewing McAdams DeMarco MA et al. Arthritis Rheum 2012 Jan.

Diuretic use raised risk for gout by several percentage points.

According to these results, diuretic use raises risk for gout by several percentage points in hypertensive patients. Increased risk for gout is among the potential adverse effects of thiazides that clinicians should consider when choosing first-line antihypertensive drugs.

Citation(s): McAdams DeMarco MA et al. Diuretic use, increased serum urate levels, and risk of incident gout in a population-based study of adults with hypertension: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort study. Arthritis Rheum 2012 Jan; 64:121.

(http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/art.33315)

I'm always a little skeptical in researching online, as the below link states slightly differing opinions.

Should Patients Who Develop Hyperuricemia With Hydrochlorothiazide Be Started On Allopurinol?

Simple fact - diuretics make you urinate more, which reduces the amount of fluid in your body.  the remaining fluid is more concentrated, which can increase the risk that you'll develop the crystals that cause gout. Some types of diuretics also reduce the kidneys' excretion of urate, a component of uric acid.

So be aware of Taking any drug without informing your doctor of other medications you are taking and make sure you ask your doctor about dangers and side effects of any drug prescribed.






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Gout and HCTZ