Compare hydrochlorothiazide vs. Catapres
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Removes water from the body, which lowers blood pressure.
Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)) is a well-tolerated water pill that's often the first-choice treatment for mild high blood pressure.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 139 reviewsforhydrochlorothiazide
Lowers blood pressure.
Catapres (Clonidine) is a good addition if you need more than one medicine to control your blood pressure, but it has a lot of side effects. You can't miss doses.
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3.2/ 5 average rating with 78 reviewsforCatapres
Upsides
- Does a good job getting rid of extra fluids in your body by making you urinate more.
- A first-choice blood pressure treatment. Works especially well for people of African descent.
- Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Good option if you have high blood pressure and heart failure.
- Most people have very few side effects from Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)).
- Can be good for patients with osteoporosis since it raises the body's level of calcium.
- Can be added to other blood pressure-lowering medicines if you need additional blood pressure control.
- Available in a weekly patch for people that aren't good at taking medicine by mouth.
- Works in the brain, so it can help treat some nervous system and psychiatric conditions.
- Under the brand name Kapvay, it's used to treat ADHD in children and teenagers.
Downsides
- Makes you urinate more often.
- Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)) doesn't work well in people with severe kidney problems.
- It can increase the risk of gout attacks in people with poor kidney function or a history of gout.
- People with a sulfa allergy may be allergic to Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)).
- Has a lot of side effects compared to other blood pressure-lowering medicine because it works in the brain.
- The pill form can make some people sleepy, dizzy, and have dry mouth.
- You can't miss doses. Stopping Clonidine suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Used for
- High blood pressure
- Fluid retention (edema)
- High urine calcium
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes insipidus from lithium
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
- Extended release
- Patch
Price
Lowest price
$23.00
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$4.00
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Reviews
139 reviews so far
47%
saidit'sworth it
31%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ))?
Leave a review78 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
33%
saiditworked well
35%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Catapres (Clonidine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
17possible side effects
- Erythema / pruritis26%
- Dry mouth25%
- Drowsiness12%
- Localized vesiculation7%
- Fatigue6%
- Headache5%
- Allergic contact sensitization5%
- Hyperpigmentation5%
- Lethargy3%
- Sedation3%
- Edema3%
- Excoriation3%
- Burning3%
- Insomnia2%
- Dizziness2%
- Impotence/sexual dysfunction2%
- Dry throat2%
Risks and risk factors
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- Current electrolyte imbalance
- Lower kidney function
- Dehydration
- Severe allergic reactions
- History of sulfa allergies
- Gout
- History of gout
- Current kidney problems
- Vision problems
- History of sulfa or penicillin allergies
- Higher blood sugars
- Diabetes
- Withdrawal
- Sudden discontinuation of medicine
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Low heart rate (bradycardia)
- Age 65 years or older
- Using other medicine(s) that slows the heart