Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets and Lumitene

• Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide
• Dosage Forms: tablet
• Other Brand Names: Aquazide H, HydroDIURIL, Microzide,

HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

HCTZ treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or kidney disorders, or edema caused by taking steroids or estrogen. This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

HCTZ may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: beta-carotene
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: A-Caro-25, B-Caro-T, Caroguard

Vitamins are compounds that you must have for growth and health. They are needed in small amounts only and are usually available in the foods that you eat. Beta-carotene is converted in the body to vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy eyes and skin.

A lack of vitamin A may cause a rare condition called night blindness (problems seeing in the dark). It may also cause dry eyes, eye infections, skin problems, and slowed growth. Your health care professional may treat these problems by prescribing either beta-carotene, which your body can change into vitamin A, or vitamin A for you.

Some conditions may increase your need for vitamin A. These include:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Diarrhea, continuing
• Illness, long-term
• Injury, serious
• Liver disease
• Malabsorption problems
• Pancreas disease

Increased need for vitamin A should be determined by your health care professional.

Claims that beta-carotene is effective as a sunscreen have not been proven. Although beta-carotene supplements are being studied for their ability to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and possibly heart disease, there is not enough information to show that this is effective.

Beta-carotene may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Beta-carotene is available without a prescription.