What are the possible side-effects of thiazide diuretics?
Side-effects are uncommon as the dose needed to lower blood pressure is low. The leaflet which comes in the tablet package provides a full list of possible side-effects. These include: • A possible increase in your blood sugar level. Some people with diabetes may need more treatment to keep the blood sugar level normal. • A possible increase the level of uric acid. So, if you have gout you may have more gout attacks. A first attack of gout is sometimes triggered by taking a diuretic. • The salt balance in the bloodstream is sometimes upset which can cause a low blood level of potassium, sodium, and magnesium, and a high level of calcium level. These effects may cause weakness, confusion, and rarely, abnormal heart rhythms to develop. You may be advised to have a blood test to check for these problems. • Other problems such as: upset stomach, dizziness on standing (due to too low blood pressure), impotence (reversible on stopping treatment), and skin sensitivity to sunlight. Other consi
