Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) is a diuretic medication widely used to treat high blood pressure – up to 45% of hypertension patients in Germany, for congestive heart failure and fluid retention / oedema in the body. It is available either as a single preparation or combined with other antihypertensive drugs e.g. Ramipril, Valsartan, Candesartan, Bisoprolol etc, These combinations used to have an appendix like “plus” or “comp” in their German trade names e.g. Ramiplus, Bisoplus or Candesartan comp. Usual dosage for HCT is 12,5 mg or 25 mg.

Recent studies indicated that longterm usage of HCT increases the risk of having skin cancer, probably due to increased photosensitivity of the skin.

Although skin cancer is a rare disease it is advisable for patients taking HCT to be precautious, to observe and report any change of the skin condition to the doctor and perhaps to swap HCT for a suitable substitute.

Please contact us for further advice.