Health Encyclopedia

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 Treatment

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, or a local emergency number

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

Expectations (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.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

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