Brand Names for Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg Tablets
The brand name for hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg tablets is Microzide, though it is most commonly prescribed as a generic medication or as part of various combination products.
Available Forms of Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic that is widely prescribed for the treatment of hypertension and edema. It is available in the following forms:
- Generic hydrochlorothiazide tablets: 12.5mg, 25mg, and 50mg
- Brand name: Microzide (12.5mg capsules)
- Combination products: HCTZ is frequently combined with other antihypertensive medications
Common Combination Products Containing Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg
According to the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure 1, hydrochlorothiazide is available in numerous fixed-dose combinations:
With ACE inhibitors:
- Benazepril-hydrochlorothiazide (5/6.25,10/12.5,20/12.5,20/25mg) - Lotensin HCT
- Lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide (10/12.5,20/12.5,20/25mg) - Prinzide, Zestoretic
- Fosinopril-hydrochlorothiazide (10/12.5,20/12.5mg) - Monopril/HCT
- Moexipril-hydrochlorothiazide (7.5/12.5,15/25mg) - Uniretic
- Quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide (10/12.5,20/12.5,20/25mg) - Accuretic
With ARBs:
- Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide (16/12.5,32/12.5mg) - Atacand HCT
- Irbesartan-hydrochlorothiazide (150/12.5,300/12.5mg) - Avalide
- Losartan-hydrochlorothiazide (50/12.5,100/25mg) - Hyzaar
- Olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide (20/12.5,40/12.5,40/25mg) - Benicar HCT
- Telmisartan-hydrochlorothiazide (40/12.5,80/12.5mg) - Micardis-HCT
- Valsartan-hydrochlorothiazide (80/12.5,160/12.5,160/25mg) - Diovan-HCT 1, 2
With beta-blockers:
- Bisoprolol-hydrochlorothiazide (2.5/6.25,5/6.25,10/6.25mg) - Ziac
- Metoprolol-hydrochlorothiazide (50/25,100/25mg) - Lopressor HCT 1
With potassium-sparing diuretics:
- Triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide (37.5/25,75/50mg) - Dyazide, Maxzide
- Amiloride-hydrochlorothiazide (5/50mg) - Moduretic
- Spironolactone-hydrochlorothiazide (25/25,50/50mg) - Aldactazide 1
Clinical Considerations
- Dosing: The recommended starting dose for hypertension is typically 12.5mg daily, which can be increased to 25mg if needed 1, 3
- Duration of action: Hydrochlorothiazide has a shorter duration of action (6-12 hours) compared to chlorthalidone (24-72 hours) 1
- Potency: Chlorthalidone is approximately twice as potent as hydrochlorothiazide on a milligram-per-milligram basis 4
- Prescription frequency: Hydrochlorothiazide ranks 5th among most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications in the US (as of 2017 data) 1
Monitoring Considerations
- Monitor for electrolyte disturbances, particularly hypokalemia and hyponatremia
- Elderly patients, especially females, are at higher risk for hyponatremia 4
- Regular monitoring of serum electrolytes is recommended, particularly within 1-2 weeks of starting therapy 4
Hydrochlorothiazide remains a commonly prescribed diuretic for hypertension management, though some evidence suggests that chlorthalidone may be more effective for cardiovascular event reduction 5.