Thiazide diuretic
Hydrochlorothiazide in Brazil: prescription, brands, pricing
This page summarises the situation of Hydrochlorothiazide in Brazil under ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária): prescription status, available brands and generics, pharmacy dispensing, and online options in BRL. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the Thiazide diuretic class.
- Regulator
- ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
- Currency
- BRL
About Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide is approved for hypertension (alone or in combination), oedema in heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome, and certain renal conditions. Brazil uses tarja vermelha (red stripe — prescription only) and tarja preta (black stripe — controlled) labels for prescription medication. Many other medications are free-sale at pharmacies.
Mechanism and action
Hydrochlorothiazide blocks the sodium-chloride symporter in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, reducing sodium reabsorption and producing modest diuresis.
Brands and generics in Brazil
In Brazil, Hydrochlorothiazide is typically dispensed as one internationally recognised brand along with their corresponding authorised generics. Brazilian farmácias and drogarias range from major chains (Drogasil, Pacheco, RaiaDrogasil) to small independents. Pharmacist counsel is common but less central than in Europe. Brand-to-generic substitution is decided by the pharmacist under local ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) equivalence rules, and the price difference in BRL is usually substantial.
Online and tele-prescribing access
Online pharmacy is well-developed in Brazil through chain platforms; ANVISA-licensed channels handle Rx medication with verified prescriptions, while informal online sales of Rx are illegal but exist. For Hydrochlorothiazide specifically, the legal online options in Brazil depend on its Rx-or-OTC classification under ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária).
Frequently asked questions
Is Hydrochlorothiazide available in Brazil? ▾
Yes — Hydrochlorothiazide and its brands are available in Brazil through pharmacies authorised by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária), in various strengths depending on the commercial product. Authorised generics offer a lower-cost alternative with the same active substance.
Do I need a prescription for Hydrochlorothiazide in Brazil? ▾
Brazil uses tarja vermelha (red stripe — prescription only) and tarja preta (black stripe — controlled) labels for prescription medication. Many other medications are free-sale at pharmacies. The exact status of Hydrochlorothiazide (Rx or OTC) is determined by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária); most active ingredients in the Thiazide diuretic class require prescription, although there are exceptions by country and formulation.
How much does Hydrochlorothiazide cost in Brazil? ▾
The price in BRL depends on the manufacturer (brand vs authorised generic), the strength and the pack size. Generics are typically substantially cheaper than brands and serve as the economic reference for ongoing use.
Products with Hydrochlorothiazide in Brazil
Hydrochlorothiazide in other countries
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.