Hydrochlorothiazide

Definition

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic primarily used to treat high blood pressure and edema associated with heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or renal disorders. It works by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, promoting increased excretion of sodium and water, thus lowering blood volume and blood pressure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hydrochlorothiazide is often one of the first-line treatments for hypertension due to its effectiveness and low cost.
2. It can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents for better blood pressure control.
3. Common side effects include electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and increased urination.
4. Hydrochlorothiazide may also help prevent kidney stones by decreasing calcium excretion in urine.
5. Patients taking hydrochlorothiazide should have their renal function monitored periodically, especially if they have pre-existing kidney conditions.

Review Questions

• How does hydrochlorothiazide function as a diuretic, and what are its primary effects on blood pressure?
  • Hydrochlorothiazide functions by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron. This inhibition leads to increased excretion of sodium and water, which reduces blood volume. As a result, this decrease in blood volume lowers blood pressure, making hydrochlorothiazide effective in treating hypertension.
• Discuss the potential side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and how they relate to its mechanism of action.
  • The use of hydrochlorothiazide can lead to several side effects due to its mechanism of action that promotes increased urination and electrolyte loss. Common side effects include hypokalemia, where potassium levels drop too low because more potassium is excreted along with sodium. Other possible side effects include dehydration, dizziness, and increases in blood glucose or cholesterol levels due to altered metabolism. Monitoring is essential to manage these risks.
• Evaluate the role of hydrochlorothiazide in combination therapies for hypertension management, considering its advantages and potential drawbacks.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide plays a crucial role in combination therapies for managing hypertension due to its synergistic effects with other antihypertensive agents. Its ability to enhance diuresis can complement medications like ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers, leading to more effective blood pressure control. However, combining therapies may also increase the risk of side effects, particularly electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, careful monitoring and adjustment of dosages are necessary to optimize treatment outcomes while minimizing adverse effects.

Related terms

Diuretic: A class of medications that increase urine production to remove excess fluid from the body, commonly used in managing hypertension and edema.

Renal function: The ability of the kidneys to filter blood, remove waste, and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance.

Antihypertensive: Medications or interventions designed to lower high blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.