HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Cramps In The Hands And Knees After Taking Hydrochlorothiazide?

Hello , and thank you for being available ! I just switched blood pressure meds . I was taking metoprolol-hydrochloric for ten years...it stopped lowering my blood pressure and lowered my pulse to the 40 zone. I ve taken two newly prescribed pills, hydrochlorothiazide.25...felt great during the day..by evening my hands and right knee and shoulder cramped up so badly that I didn t take the pill today...My research tells me it depleted my potassium, and lowered my sodium..I think both had been low already....maybe a potassium supplement with just half a pill? It did make me feel good ,and my pulse was in the high 80 s...I m 65,healthy in every other area...a bit overweight..have had a very difficult ten years.....
Tue, 3 Apr 2018
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Suggestive of hydrochlorothiazide-induced hypokalemia. The diuretic ('water pill') hydrochlorothiazide is known to cause hypokalemia (decreased serum potassium levels) due to increase potassium loss through the urine. You are advised to consult your treating doctor for possible dose reduction of the diuretic or to prescribe potassium supplements along with hydrochlorothiazide.


Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
I find this answer helpful

3 Doctors agree with this answer


Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Cramps In The Hands And Knees After Taking Hydrochlorothiazide?

Hello, Suggestive of hydrochlorothiazide-induced hypokalemia. The diuretic ( water pill ) hydrochlorothiazide is known to cause hypokalemia (decreased serum potassium levels) due to increase potassium loss through the urine. You are advised to consult your treating doctor for possible dose reduction of the diuretic or to prescribe potassium supplements along with hydrochlorothiazide. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali