Key takeaways
Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) and carvedilol (Coreg) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and work in different ways. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, also known as a water pill, that helps you urinate more to remove extra fluid and certain electrolytes from your body. This helps lower blood pressure and reduce swelling. Carvedilol, on the other hand, is a beta blocker that lowers blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels and slowing down your heart rate. You typically take hydrochlorothiazide once daily, while carvedilol is taken twice daily in its immediate-release form or once daily in its extended-release form. Common side effects of hydrochlorothiazide include dizziness and frequent urination, whereas carvedilol can cause dizziness, tiredness, and diarrhea. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.
