Thiazide overdose
Definition
Thiazide is an ingredient found in certain medications used to treat high blood pressure. Thiazide overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
Alternative Names
Diuretic antihypertensives overdose
Poisonous Ingredient
Thiazide is a type of drug called a diuretic. It prevents the body from reabsorbing sodium (salt) from part of the kidneys. Thiazide and related diuretics are used primarily to treat high blood pressure.
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
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle cramps
- 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
Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.
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 United States 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: Poison control center - emergency number
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. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:
- Activated charcoal
- Blood tests to determine serum electrolyte levels
- EKG test
- Medicines to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances
Outlook (Prognosis)
Patients usually respond well to treatment. Serious symptoms and death are unlikely.
Review Date:
1/23/2008
Reviewed By:
Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
