HCTZ

Medical abbreviation · Drug

HCTZ
Stands forHydrochlorothiazide
CategoriesMedical

HCTZ stands for Hydrochlorothiazide, a drug abbreviation.

Thiazide diuretic widely used for high blood pressure, alone or combined with ACE inhibitors, ARBs or beta-blockers. Typical doses are 12.5 to 50 mg once daily.

Example: Lisinopril-HCTZ 20/12.5 mg daily; check potassium and sodium in 2 weeks.

Usage notes

ISMP lists HCTZ as error-prone because it has been misread as hydrocortisone (for example "HCT 250 mg"). Side effects include low potassium and sodium, high uric acid (which can trigger gout) and sun sensitivity; long-term use has been linked to an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer in FDA labeling since 2020.

More drug abbreviations

  • GTN – Glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin)
  • HBIG – Hepatitis B immune globulin
  • HC – Hydrocortisone
  • HCl – Hydrochloride
  • HCQ – Hydroxychloroquine
  • HCT – Hydrocortisone
  • HQ – Hydroquinone
  • IFN – Interferon
  • INH – Isoniazid
  • ISDN – Isosorbide dinitrate
  • ISMN – Isosorbide mononitrate
  • IVIG – Intravenous immunoglobulin

See all 170 drug abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.