Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) and digoxin (Lanoxin) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, also known as a water pill, that helps lower blood pressure and reduce swelling by making you urinate more. In contrast, digoxin is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation by helping your heart pump more effectively and controlling heart rate. Hydrochlorothiazide is typically taken once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Digoxin, also available as a generic, can be taken once or twice daily, with the dosage depending on factors like age and kidney health. While hydrochlorothiazide can cause side effects like dizziness and increased urination, digoxin has a risk of serious toxicity, which requires regular blood tests to monitor. Both medications interact with many other drugs, so it's important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Hydrochlorothiazide
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Summary of Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Digoxin
Summary for Diuretic (water pill)
Prescription only
Hydrochlorothiazide is a water pill that helps to lower blood pressure and ease swelling from fluid (edema) caused by many health conditions, such as heart failure and kidney problems. Typically, you take hydrochlorothiazide by mouth once (sometimes twice) daily. Some common side effects of hydrochlorothiazide include dizziness and urinating more often.
Summary for Antiarrhythmic
Prescription only
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib) in adults and children. It's taken by mouth typically once or twice daily, but the specific dosage will depend on several things like your age, weight, and blood digoxin levels. Side effects include changes in vision, stomach upset, and dizziness. There's also a risk of digoxin toxicity, which means having too much of the medication in your body. This can lead to severe side effects such as vision changes and changes to the heart rhythm.
Indications of Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Digoxin
Indications for
•High blood pressure
•Swelling in the body from fluids (edema), in addition to other medications
Indications for
•Heart failure in adults and children ages 5 years and older