Hydroflumethiazide
Pronunciation: (hye-droh-floo-METH-ih-zide).
- Generic name
- Hydroflumethiazide
- Brand names
- Diucardin, Diucom, Hydroflume, Saluron
- Drug class
- Cardiovascular & Circulatory System
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Hydroflumethiazide is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Hydroflumethiazide works
Hydroflumethiazide inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, leading to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, and water. This diuretic effect reduces plasma volume, decreases cardiac output, and lowers blood pressure. It also increases potassium and bicarbonate excretion, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances. (2)
What Hydroflumethiazide is used for
Hypertension
Hypertension (2)
Edema associated with congestive heart failure
Edema associated with congestive heart failure (2)
Edema associated with hepatic cirrhosis
Edema associated with hepatic cirrhosis (2)
Edema associated with corticosteroid and estrogen therapy
Edema associated with corticosteroid and estrogen therapy (2)
Before taking Hydroflumethiazide
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with anuria, known hypersensitivity to thiazides or sulfonamide-derived drugs, and severe electrolyte disturbances. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Hydroflumethiazide
- General Instructions: Take hydroflumethiazide exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning to avoid nighttime urination.. Adult Dosing (corrected against the FDA label — the database's own dosing figures were internally inconsistent): For edema, the usual initial dose is 50-200 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses, reduced to a maintenance dose of 25-50 mg on alternate days once fluid is controlled. For hypertension, the usual dose is 25-50 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses, alone or combined with other antihypertensive agents. Dosage is individualized by the prescriber.. Pediatric Dosing: A suggested initial dose for children is 1 mg/kg/day, reduced for maintenance, individualized by a pediatric specialist.. Administration: Take with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Try to take it at the same time each day.. If You Feel Well And Are Considering Stopping: Do not stop on your own — seek medical advice first; the clinician managing your care can advise on whether to continue or stop hydroflumethiazide, since stopping suddenly may worsen the underlying condition.. Storage: Store at 15-25°C (59-77°F), away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, confusion, muscle weakness, or fainting. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Lightheadedness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Muscle cramps
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypokalemia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Orthostatic hypotension
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Pancreatitis
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
May cause electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium, low sodium, or hypochloremic alkalosis) — serious
Symptoms: May cause electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium, low sodium, or hypochloremic alkalosis). Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment. Can increase blood sugar levels; monitor in diabetic patients, as insulin requirements may change. May worsen gout symptoms (hyperuricemia). Pregnancy: assigned Pregnancy Category D — can cause fetal harm, with reported risks of fetal or neonatal jaundice and thrombocytopenia; anyone who is pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss this with the prescribing clinician before continuing.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications: anuria, and known hypersensitivity to sulfonamide-derived drugs (cross-reactivity is possible because hydroflumethiazide is chemically related to sulfonamides). Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, diabetes, gout, or systemic lupus erythematosus. Monitor for signs of hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and hyperuricemia.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Regulatory/availability note — serious
Symptoms: Regulatory/availability note: the original brand Diucardin has been discontinued in the US, and hydroflumethiazide (including the Saluron brand) has much more limited current availability than newer thiazides such as hydrochlorothiazide. Confirm current availability and the exact product with a pharmacist before assuming it is routinely stocked.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Hydroflumethiazide may interact with other medications, including lithium (increased lithium toxicity risk), digoxin/cardiac glycosides (enhanced digitalis toxicity via electrolyte shifts), corticosteroids and amphotericin B (intensified electrolyte imbalance), other antihypertensives, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, which can reduce its effectiveness). Always inform your healthcare provider of all medicines and supplements you are taking. | (2) |
| Oral hypoglycemic agents / insulin | Thiazides such as hydroflumethiazide can raise blood glucose and reduce the effectiveness of oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin; blood sugar should be monitored and diabetes medication doses may need adjustment by the prescribing clinician. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Hydroflumethiazide is assigned Pregnancy Category D, meaning it can cause fetal harm — reported risks include fetal or neonatal jaundice and thrombocytopenia. Anyone who is pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss the risks and alternatives with the prescribing clinician; use is generally avoided unless the clinician judges it clearly necessary. (2)
Breastfeeding
Thiazide diuretics, including hydroflumethiazide, pass into breast milk. If the prescribing clinician judges use to be essential during breastfeeding, the patient and clinician may need to discuss whether to pause nursing. (2)
Children
A suggested initial pediatric dose is 1 mg/kg/day, reduced for maintenance, but this must be individualized by a pediatric specialist given limited modern pediatric safety data; it is not a routine first-line option in children. (2)
Renal_impairment
The clinician record advises caution in renal or hepatic impairment, and thiazides generally become less effective as kidney function declines; no separate validated fixed-dose-adjustment table was found in the independent literature reviewed, so dosing in organ impairment should be individualized by the treating clinician with close monitoring. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
The clinician record advises caution in renal or hepatic impairment, and thiazides generally become less effective as kidney function declines; no separate validated fixed-dose-adjustment table was found in the independent literature reviewed, so dosing in organ impairment should be individualized by the treating clinician with close monitoring. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at 15-25°C (59-77°F), away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General — FDA label (Saluron)
Indication: Hypertension
Dose summary: Usual dose 25-50 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses, alone or with other antihypertensives. NOTE: this replaces the DB's original '12.5-25 mg once daily' figure, which was internally inconsistent with the DB's own administration section and did not match the FDA label.
Renal context: No separate validated fixed renal-dose-adjustment table found; thiazides generally lose effectiveness as kidney function declines, and dosing should be individualized with monitoring. (2)
General — FDA label (Saluron)
Indication: Edema (heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, corticosteroid/estrogen therapy)
Dose summary: Usual initial dose 50-200 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses, reduced to 25-50 mg on alternate days for maintenance once fluid is controlled.
Renal context: No separate validated fixed renal-dose-adjustment table found; dosing individualized with monitoring. (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is hydroflumethiazide used for?
Hydroflumethiazide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention (edema) caused by heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disorders.
How does hydroflumethiazide work?
It works by helping your kidneys remove excess salt and water from your body, which lowers blood pressure and reduces swelling.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take an extra dose to make up for it.
Can I take hydroflumethiazide during pregnancy?
Hydroflumethiazide should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor, as it may affect fetal development.
What are the most common side effects?
Common side effects include increased urination, mild dizziness, headache, and muscle cramps.
Are there foods or drinks I should avoid?
Avoid alcohol and excessive salt intake. Stay hydrated and follow your healthcare provider’s dietary recommendations.
Can hydroflumethiazide interact with other medications?
Yes, it can interact with medications such as lithium, digoxin, NSAIDs, and other blood pressure medicines. Always inform your doctor about all medications you take.
What happens if I take too much Hydroflumethiazide?
Taking too much Hydroflumethiazide can lead to symptoms such as severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium), dizziness, weakness, and confusion. In severe cases, it may cause hypotension or kidney problems. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact poison control. Do not attempt to self-treat.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Hydroflumethiazide?
It is generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Hydroflumethiazide. Both alcohol and thiazide diuretics can cause dizziness and lower blood pressure, increasing the risk of fainting or falls. Additionally, alcohol can exacerbate dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which are potential side effects of Hydroflumethiazide. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is Hydroflumethiazide safe during pregnancy?
Hydroflumethiazide is generally not recommended during pregnancy. It is classified as Pregnancy Category D, meaning it can cause fetal harm — reported risks include fetal or neonatal jaundice and thrombocytopenia. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking this medication; use is generally avoided unless your doctor judges it clearly necessary.
What is the mechanism of action of Hydroflumethiazide?
Hydroflumethiazide inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, leading to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, and water. This diuretic effect reduces plasma volume, decreases cardiac output, and lowers blood pressure. It also increases potassium and bicarbonate excretion, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances. (2)
What is the generic name of Hydroflumethiazide?
The generic name is Hydroflumethiazide. It is sold under brand names including Diucardin, Diucom, Hydroflume, Saluron.
What class of drug is Hydroflumethiazide?
Hydroflumethiazide is classed as: Cardiovascular & Circulatory System.
References
- Hydroflumethiazide — MedGuideGlobal medicine recordMedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record · Global (internal database) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- SALURON (hydroflumethiazide) tablets, prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration (DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Hydroflumethiazide names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.