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Hydrochlorothiazide

Prescription

Thiazide diuretic

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

1 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, promoting diuresis and reducing blood pressure

At a glance

Class

Thiazide diuretic

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Edema / Hypertension / Adjunct for refractory CHF

Dose

2–4 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID

Max dose

200 mg/dose; 400 mg/day

Duration: As needed; long-term for hypertension

🐈

Cat

Edema / Calcium oxalate urolithiasis prevention

Dose

1–2 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID

Max dose

12.5 mg/dose; 25 mg/day

Duration: Long-term for urolithiasis prevention

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 2

Strength

12.5mg

Available in India

Strength

25mg

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Anuria

Use with caution

Electrolyte imbalances
May worsen hypokalemia

Adverse effects

Common

Polyuria

Polydipsia

Hypokalemia

Serious

Severe dehydration

Hyponatremia

Hyperglycemia

Monitoring parameters

Serum electrolytesBUN/CreatinineBlood glucose

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Digoxin

major

Thiazide-induced hypokalemia increases sensitivity to digoxin toxicity

Management: Monitor potassium closely. Supplement potassium if needed. Watch for digoxin toxicity signs.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

HydroDiuril

MSD

India

Aquazide

Sun Pharma

Hydrazide

Cadila

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Hydrochlorothiazide?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic used in pets. Inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, promoting diuresis and reducing blood pressure

›What is Hydrochlorothiazide used for in pets?

Hydrochlorothiazide is used in veterinary medicine for: Edema / Hypertension / Adjunct for refractory CHF; Edema / Calcium oxalate urolithiasis prevention.

›What is the Hydrochlorothiazide dose for dogs?

For dogs, Hydrochlorothiazide is typically dosed as follows — Edema / Hypertension / Adjunct for refractory CHF: 2–4 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Hydrochlorothiazide dose for cats?

For cats, Hydrochlorothiazide is typically dosed as follows — Edema / Calcium oxalate urolithiasis prevention: 1–2 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide?

Common: Polyuria, Polydipsia, Hypokalemia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Severe dehydration, Hyponatremia, Hyperglycemia.

›Does Hydrochlorothiazide need a prescription?

Yes. Hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Hydrochlorothiazide not be used?

Do not use Hydrochlorothiazide if: Anuria.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Thiazide diuretic).

Chlorothiazide

Inhibits Na+/Cl- cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule, reducing sodium and chloride reabsorption and promoting diuresis. Also causes mild vasodilation and reduces renal calcium excretion (useful in hypercalciuria).

dogcat