Thiazide overdose
Definition
This is poisoning from a thiazide diuretic, a medication used to treat high blood pressure.
Alternative Names
Diuretic antihypertensives overdose
Poisonous Ingredient
Thiazide and other, related diuretics used for high blood pressure (antihypertensives) may include:
- Bendroflumethiazide
- Benzthiazide
- Chlorothiazide
- Chlorthalidone
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
- Hydroflumethiazide
- Indapamide
- Methyclothiazide
- Metolazone
- Polythiazide
- Quinethazone
- Trichlormethiazide
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Where Found
- Bendroflumethiazide (Naturetin)
- Benzthiazide (Exna)
- Chlorothiazide (Diuril, Diurigen)
- Chlorthalidone (Thalitone, Hygroton
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDIURIL, Hydro-Par, Oretic)
- Hydroflumethiazide (Diucardin, Saluron)
- Indapamide (Lozol)
- Methyclothiazide (Enduron, Aquatensen)
- Metolazone (Zaroxolyn, Diulo)
- Polythiazide (Renese)
- Quinethazone (Hydromox)
- Trichlormethiazide (Metahydrin, Naqua, Diurese)
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms
- Breathing - slow
- Coma
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fainting
- Fever
- Muscle cramps
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Photosensitivity (skin is sensitive to sunlight)
- Rash
- Seizures
- Urination - frequent
- Urine - pale-colored
- Vision problems (items appear yellow)
- Weakness
- Yellow skin
- Vomiting
Home Care
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Poison Control
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See National Poison Control center.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
The patient may receive:
- EKG
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Activated charcoal
- Methods to make the person throw up
- Blood tests to determine serum electrolyte levels
- Medicines to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances
Outlook (Prognosis)
Patients usually respond well to treatment. Serious symptoms and death are unlikely.
Review Date:
4/4/2006
Reviewed By:
Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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