Pulmonary edemafolloing ingestion of hydrochlorothiazide

Abstract

Pulmonary edema developed in two women (44 and 65 years of age) within 45 minutes after they had ingested single 50-mg tablets of hydrochlorothiazide. There was no history of heart disease, and the drug was taken for weight reduction in one patient and for mild hypertension in the other. On admission to the hospital, x-ray films of the chest showed congestive changes in the lungs. The arm-to-tongue circulation time was normal. Clinical and laboratory data did not support a diagnosis of myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolus. It is postulated that these were idiosyncratic reactions to the drug.