Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: High blood pressure – on its own in a low dose or added to telmisartan, losartan, amlodipine or ramipril; Fluid retention (swelling of the feet or body) due to heart, kidney or liver disease.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.56 to ₹1.12 per tablet across 5 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets IP 12.5mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹5.63 | ₹0.56 | 19 October 2026 |
| Hydrazide 12.5 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹9.13 | ₹0.91 | 19 October 2026 |
| Hyzide 12.5 | East West Pharma | 10 | ₹9.55 | ₹0.96 | 19 October 2026 |
| Hydride 12.5 | Micro Labs Ltd | 10 | ₹10.28 | ₹1.03 | 19 October 2026 |
| Aquazide 12.5 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹11.17 | ₹1.12 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- High blood pressure – on its own in a low dose or added to telmisartan, losartan, amlodipine or ramipril.
- Fluid retention (swelling of the feet or body) due to heart, kidney or liver disease.
- Swelling caused by some medicines such as steroids.
- Preventing calcium kidney stones in some people (specialist use).
How to take it
Take one 12.5 mg tablet once a day in the morning, with or without food, so that the extra urination happens during the day and not at night. Swallow it with water. Keep taking it even if you feel well – blood pressure gives no symptoms. Your doctor will check your sodium, potassium and sugar from time to time. Do not stop suddenly without telling your doctor.
Side effects
Common
- Passing urine more often.
- Dizziness, especially on standing up quickly.
- Headache.
- Loss of appetite or mild diarrhoea.
- Skin that burns more easily in the sun.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Low sodium or potassium – weakness, muscle cramps, confusion, irregular heartbeat.
- Severe dehydration – dry mouth, extreme thirst, very little urine.
- Severe skin reaction – blistering, peeling rash, or a rash with fever.
- Sudden eye pain or blurred vision within hours to weeks of starting (acute glaucoma) – emergency.
- Gout attack or a rise in blood sugar and uric acid.
Safety information
Alcohol
Alcohol adds to the dizziness and drop in blood pressure, especially in summer. Keep it minimal.
Pregnancy
Not usually used in pregnancy because it can reduce blood flow to the baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Kidney problems
Works poorly and can upset salts further in advanced kidney disease. Tell your doctor your creatinine value.
Liver problems
Use with care in cirrhosis – a drop in potassium can trigger confusion (hepatic encephalopathy).
Children
Only on a paediatrician's advice, with weight-based doses.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember that day. If it is the next day already, skip it. Never take two tablets together.
Interactions
- Painkillers like ibuprofen, diclofenac, aceclofenac – reduce its effect and can strain the kidneys.
- Lithium – levels rise dangerously; this combination needs close monitoring.
- Steroids (prednisolone, methylprednisolone) – more potassium loss.
- Digoxin – low potassium makes digoxin toxicity more likely.
- Cholestyramine – take hydrochlorothiazide 1 hour before or 4 hours after it.
- Diabetes medicines – blood sugar can rise a little; keep checking.
Frequently asked questions
When should I take Aquazide 12.5?
In the morning. It makes you pass more urine for several hours, so a morning dose avoids getting up at night.
Is Aquazide 12.5 a blood pressure tablet or a water tablet?
Both. It removes extra salt and water through the kidneys, which lowers blood pressure and reduces swelling. The 12.5 mg dose is mainly used for blood pressure.
Can I take Aquazide 12.5 with Telma 40?
Yes, this is a very common combination and even comes as one tablet (Telma-H). Your doctor will check potassium and kidney function after starting.
Can I take Aquazide 12.5 with alcohol?
Avoid or keep it very small. Alcohol plus a water tablet can drop blood pressure and leave you dizzy or dehydrated, particularly in hot weather.
Does Aquazide raise blood sugar or uric acid?
It can slightly raise both, so people with diabetes or gout should tell their doctor. Low doses such as 12.5 mg cause less of this than higher doses.
Is Aquazide safe in pregnancy?
It is generally avoided in pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be; other blood pressure tablets such as labetalol are preferred.
Why do I get muscle cramps on hydrochlorothiazide?
It can lower potassium and sodium. Cramps, weakness or palpitations need a blood test; your doctor may add potassium-rich foods or change the medicine.
Can I stop Aquazide 12.5 once my BP is normal?
Your BP is normal because of the tablet. Stopping it will let the pressure rise again. Only your doctor should reduce or stop it.
Is hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 available at Jan Aushadhi?
Yes, hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg tablets are listed under the Jan Aushadhi scheme and are also under NPPA price control. A prescription is needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Hydrochlorothiazide (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms