HCTZ is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. HCTZ is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or kidney disorders, or edema caused by taking steroids or estrogen.
What Is Hydrochlorothiazide and How Does It Work? Hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), and swelling (edema). Hydrochlorothiazide is available under the following different brand names: Microzide, HydroDiuril, Hydro, Esidrix, HCTZ, Oretic