What is the brand name for Hydrochlorothiazide?
The brand name for Hydrochlorothiazide is Microzide.
PTCB TOP 200 · #16
Hydrochlorothiazide
Microzide
Hydrochlorothiazide is the generic name for the brand-name drug Microzide. It is a thiazide diuretic used to treat hypertension, edema. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Hydrochlorothiazide ranks #16 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Hydrochlorothiazide |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Microzide |
| Drug class | Thiazide diuretic |
| Class group | Cardiovascular |
| Common use | hypertension, edema |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Hydrochlorothiazide used for?
Thiazide diuretic for hypertension; also used to treat edema due to heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disorders.
What drug class is Hydrochlorothiazide?
Hydrochlorothiazide is a Thiazide diuretic in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide
- arrow_rightLow potassium (hypokalemia)
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightIncreased urination
- arrow_rightPhotosensitivity
- arrow_rightIncreased blood glucose or uric acid
Major interactions
- arrow_rightLithium levels can increase (toxicity risk)
- arrow_rightNSAIDs may blunt diuretic/antihypertensive effect
- arrow_rightDigoxin: hypokalemia increases arrhythmia risk
- arrow_rightOther antihypertensives may add hypotension
Is Hydrochlorothiazide a controlled substance?
No. Hydrochlorothiazide is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Hydrochlorothiazide (PTCE mnemonic)
MICROzide MICRO-doses the thiazide — HCTZ pees out pressure. ↓K+, ↓Na+, ↑uric acid (gout), photosensitivity; sulfa allergy.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
HCTZ is a thiazide “water pill” for blood pressure; watch for low potassium. Note that “HCTZ” is a common abbreviation — but unsafe abbreviations are themselves a patient-safety topic.
Hydrochlorothiazide FAQ
What is Hydrochlorothiazide used for?
Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat hypertension, edema. Thiazide diuretic for hypertension; also used to treat edema due to heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disorders.
What drug class is Hydrochlorothiazide?
Hydrochlorothiazide is a Thiazide diuretic (Cardiovascular group).
Is Hydrochlorothiazide a controlled substance?
No. Hydrochlorothiazide is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Hydrochlorothiazide
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
descriptionHow to read a prescriptionevery field on a prescription, decoded
Pharmacy math cheat sheetthe five calculation types the PTCE asksSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Hydrochlorothiazide the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).