Chemical Composition
Molecular Formula: C7H8ClN3O4S2
Molecular Weight: 297.739120 g/mol
Bioavailability: 50% to 80%
Protein Binding: 68%
Half-Life: 5.6-14.8 Hours
Manufacturer: Multiple
Active Ingredient: Hydrochlorothiazide
Inactive Ingredients: None
Description
Hydrodiuril, generically known and more often referred to as hydrochlorothiazide (its active ingredient), is a diuretic used to treat excessive fluid accumulation and swelling (edema) of the body caused byheart failure, cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, corticosteroid medications, and nephrotic syndrome. Although Hydrodiuril is approved for treating edema in cirrhosis of the liver, it is rarely used for this purpose due to the availability of more potent diuretics. Hydrodiuril, though not approved for it, can and is also used to treat calcium-containing kidney stones because it decreases the amount of calcium excreted by the kidneys (in urine), thus decreasing the production of kidney stones. Other uses for Hydrodiuril include ridding the body of extra water in order to reduce fluid in the lungs so that breathing is easier, and helping to decrease swelling of the arms, legs, and abdomen.
Hydrodiuril has multiple brand names including AQUAZIDE, Esidrix, Ezide, Oretic and others, but is best known (stateside) by Mercks U.S. branded name, Microzide.
Form
Hydrodiuril is an oral (tablet or capsule) prepared prescription drug with multiple generic versions. The tablets are dosed at 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg. The capsules are dosed at 12.5 mg.
Indications/Purpose
For bodybuilding/athletic purposes Hydrodiuril is most often used to reduce subcutaneous water/fluid levels for the enhancement of muscular definition. After all the muscle building, dieting, and tweaking is completed bodybuilders polish their physiques for presentation by draining them of excess water. Although this is managed in a variety of ways, a major component is often the administration of diuretics and sometimes the necessary counterbalancing of electrolytes to prevent onstage cramping which can result from the physical demands of rigorous competitive posing (muscle tensing and flexing).
Hydrodiuril is also prominently used in athletic circles to meet weight requirements in sports such as boxing, wrestling, martial arts, etc., which maintain strict weight classes. By administering diuretics these athletes can literally dehydrate (lose substantial water weight) to make weigh-ins, only to rehydrate afterwards so they can compete at much heavier weights than their classes permit.
Hydrodiurils onset of action is approximately 2 hours after ingestion, and in normal volunteers the mean peak serum levels of were reached in under 2.5 hours. However, its maximum effect may not be realized for several days. The duration of Hydrodiurils effect depends on several factors central to which is renal function, but it generally tapers off 6-12 hours after administration requiring subsequent doses for continuation.
Its recommended therapeutic ranges are as follows: for edema 25-100 mg/day in 1-2 doses with a maximum of 200 mg/day and; for hypertension 12.5-50 mg/day with minimal response increases and greater electrolyte disturbances at doses greater than 50 mg/day. Bodybuilders and athletes generally administer doses of 100-200 mg/day, typically adjusting the dosage according to their particular water reduction needs. Due to Hydrodiurils short half-life, optimal effects are derived from divided/multiple daily dosing. It is also important to take the last multi-dose no later than 6pm, which is early enough to avoid nocturia (urination at night especially when excessive).
Side Effects
As with all medications, the possibility of side effects exists. Hydrodiurils potential side effects are similar to those of related diuretics such as Esidrix, Ezide, Dyrenium, Microzide and Oretic.
One should seek immediate emergency medical assistance in any of these allergic reactions occur: hives; difficulty breathing or; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
Less emergent side effects which may warrant discontinuation of Hydrodiuril, and possibly contacting a medical professional include:
- numbness or tingly feeling
- muscle pain or weakness
- slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat
- fatigue, drowsiness, restless, or light-headedness
- less than usual urination, or lack of urination
- shallow breathing
- tremors or confusion
- nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting
- low fever or loss of appetite
- diarrhea, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
It should also be noted that even though this list seems rather extensive, Hydrodiuril is considered a safe diuretic. The manufacturer cites such hazardous complications for a rare 1 in 1000 or less users.
Additional Information
Hydrodiuril is widely available and can often be found already stacked in multi-ingredient products. Hydrodiurils solid effectiveness, high availability, low cost, and reputation for safety makes it a popular choice among athletes all over the world.
Bodybuilders and athletes traditionally administer Hydrodiuril with anabolics during the definition/fat burning phase of training. The most popular of such compounds includes Stanozolol, Dianabol, Trenbolone, Anavar, Halotestin, testosterone (enanthate, propionate, and cypionate), Anadrol, Turinabol, Deca-Durabolin, and Primobolan.
