Thiazide Diuretics
Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic taken once a day for high blood pressure and fluid retention. It is one of the oldest and cheapest blood pressure medicines and is often combined with lisinopril or losartan in a single tablet.
This page is general information about a medication and how cash prices for it are set. It is not medical advice and does not replace the label, your prescriber or your pharmacist. How we handle medical information
All strengths and combinations are generic.
About Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide makes the kidneys excrete more sodium and water, which lowers blood volume and, over time, relaxes blood vessels. Its blood pressure effect is modest on its own but it combines well with almost every other class, which is why so many fixed-dose combination tablets contain it.
It is taken in the morning to avoid night-time urination. Common issues are low potassium, higher uric acid (a concern for people with gout), and slightly raised blood sugar. Prescribers check electrolytes after starting. It can increase sun sensitivity.
The 12.5 mg dose is sold as a capsule, while the 25 mg and 50 mg strengths are tablets. Chlorthalidone is a closely related diuretic that some guidelines now prefer because of stronger outcome evidence, and prescribers may switch between the two.
Why the cash price for Hydrochlorothiazide differs from pharmacy to pharmacy
Hydrochlorothiazide costs pharmacies pennies per tablet, so any cash price is nearly all fee and mark-up. Because the dollar amounts are small, many people never compare, and pharmacies have little pressure to price it competitively.
The 12.5 mg capsule is a different product from the tablets and is priced differently; some pharmacies stock only tablets and quote a higher price to order the capsule.
Ways to pay less for Hydrochlorothiazide without insurance
- Ask for a ninety-day prescription.
- If you also take lisinopril or losartan, ask whether the combination tablet or the separate tablets are cheaper at that pharmacy.
- If you are prescribed the 12.5 mg capsule, ask whether your prescriber would accept half a 25 mg tablet instead; only change if the prescriber agrees.
- Ask whether hydrochlorothiazide is on the pharmacy’s flat-price generic list.
- Upload your prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.
How Script Unlock gets you a cash price for Hydrochlorothiazide
Prices on this site come from pharmacies responding to a real prescription. We do not publish estimated, average or "typical" prices, because none of those would be your price.
- 1You upload your prescription
A photo of your Hydrochlorothiazide prescription is enough. Nothing is sold on the site; you are asking pharmacies to quote.
- 2Licensed pharmacies respond
Pharmacies that Script Unlock has verified see the request and each can reply with its own cash price for your exact drug, strength and quantity.
- 3You choose and pay the pharmacy
You compare the responses, pick a pharmacy, and pay that pharmacy directly when you collect. Script Unlock never takes a patient payment and never sets the price.
Questions to ask your pharmacist about Hydrochlorothiazide
- 1.Should I take this in the morning?
- 2.Do I need to eat more potassium-rich foods or take a supplement?
- 3.What signs of dehydration or low potassium should I watch for?
- 4.Does this affect my gout or my blood sugar?
- 5.Do I need extra sun protection?
Related medications
Sources
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.