Diuretics effectively decrease blood pressure in hypertensive patients, and in adults with hypertension reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Because of varied pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences, chlorthalidone may be the preferred thiazide diuretic in the treatment of primary hypertension.
Full Answer
What are the most common diuretics for hypertension?
Thiazide diuretics are the most commonly prescribed diuretics for hypertension, but other classes of diuretics may be useful in alternative circumstances. Although diuretics are no longer considered the preferred agent for treatment of hypertension in adults and children, they remain acceptable first-line options.
How do diuretics work to lower blood pressure?
By Mayo Clinic Staff. Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, help rid your body of salt (sodium) and water. Most of them help your kidneys release more sodium into your urine. The sodium takes with it water from your blood, decreasing the amount of fluid flowing through your veins and arteries. This reduces blood pressure.
Does thiazide diuretic prevent hypertension?
Effect of diuretic treatment on HF Thiazide diuretic is very effective in preventing the development of HF in hypertensive patients. Hypertension is much more common in the elderly, and in this age–group, isolated systolic hypertension is particularly common.
How much hydrochlorothiazide should I take for diuretics?
Thus, to achieve the beneficial effect with diuretics, one should use hydrochlorothiazide in a dose of up to at least 37.5 mg/day. Another thiazide-like diuretic that is less discussed is indapamide.
Which diuretics are preferred for the treatment of hypertension?
Diuretics effectively decrease blood pressure in hypertensive patients, and in adults with hypertension reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Because of varied pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences, chlorthalidone may be the preferred thiazide diuretic in the treatment of primary hypertension.
Which of the following is the preferred first line diuretic for treating hypertension?
The strongest body of evidence indicates that for most patients with hypertension, thiazide diuretics are the best proven first-line treatment in reducing morbidity and mortality.
How do you choose antihypertensive drugs?
The choice should be made on the basis of sound scientific data and from the patient's perspective and needs. The drug should be taken once a day, should have proven efficacy in hypertension control and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality reduction, and should have as few side effects as possible.
Why are thiazides preferred in hypertension?
For hypertensive patients with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association gives preference to thiazide-like diuretics (chlorthalidone and indapamide) because they are longer acting diuretics that have a proven effect on cardiovascular event reduction [45].
What are some examples of diuretics?
Examples of diuretics. There are three types of diuretics: Thiazide. Loop. Potassium sparing. Each type affects a different part of your kidneys. Some pills combine more than one type of diuretic or combine a diuretic with another blood pressure medication.
What is the name of the pill that helps you get rid of salt?
Find out how they work and when you might need them. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Diuretics , sometimes called water pills, help rid your body of salt (sodium) and water. Most of them help your kidneys release more sodium into your urine.
Can thiazide be used for high blood pressure?
When diuretics are used. Thiazide diuretics are recommended as one of the first drug treatments for high blood pressure. If diuretics aren't enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor might add other blood pressure medications to your treatment plan.
Can thiazide cause low potassium levels?
If you take a thiazide diuretic, your potassium level can drop too low (hypokalemia), which can cause life-threatening problems with your heartbeat. If you're on a potassium-sparing diuretic, you can have too much potassium in your blood. Other possible side effects of diuretics include: Dizziness. Headaches.
How do diuretics help with blood pressure?
Diuretics help rid your body of sodium and water. Most work by making your kidneys release more sodium into the urine. The sodium then takes water with it from your blood decreasing the amount of fluid flowing through your blood vessels hence lowering blood pressure.
Why are diuretics prescribed?
Diuretics are used effectively in the management of hypertension, and are typically prescribed because of their efficacy, low cost, and low side effects profile. Diuretics are known for their ability to increase the formation and excretion of urine.
What diuretics inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and chloride?
Loop diuretics, like thiazide diuretics, work to inhibit the reabsorption of sodium as well as chloride by targeting a sodium potassium chloride cotransporter, however they exert their effects in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle.
What is the drug of choice for long term treatment of hypertension?
Thiazide diuretics are considered the drug of choice for long term treatment of hypertension by many physicians. Loop diuretics , like thiazide diuretics , work to inhibit the reabsorption of sodium as well as chloride by targeting a sodium potassium chloride cotransporter, however they exert their effects in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle.
What is the function of thiazide diuretics?
Thiazide diuretics are known to bind extensively to plasma proteins, which limits their filtration and promotes appropriate delivery to tissues. However, they undergo extensive hepatic metabolism which plays into the dose and frequency of administration.
How long does a loop diuretic last?
On the other hand, loop diuretics are known to be less effective than thiazides, and have a short duration of action at approximately 6 hours. Loop diuretics are indicated for patients with coexistent renal or heart failure, in circumstances when thiazide diuretics are rarely effective.
What is the recommended diuretic for hypertension?
A number of important facts pertinent to clinical practice can be concluded from currently available data, as described here. Chlorthalidone is the preferable diuretic for initial and subsequent therapy of hypertension, starting with 12.5 mg/d and increasing to ≤25.0 mg/d with or without other antihypertensive drugs.
Does HCTZ reduce cardiovascular mortality?
These practices overlooked 2 facts. First, such low doses of HCTZ have never been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity or mortality, although they clearly increase the antihypertensive efficacy of whatever other drug with which they are combined. Second, chlorthalidone in doses from 12.5 to 25.0 mg/d has been shown repeatedly to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in randomized, controlled trials. 3,7,9–11