Diuretics in the treatment of hypertension. Part 1: thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics.

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Citation

Tamargo J, Segura J, Ruilope LM

Diuretics in the treatment of hypertension. Part 1: thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics.

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2014 Mar;15(4):527-47. doi: 10.1517/14656566.2014.879118. Epub 2014 Jan 20.

PubMed ID
24444254 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Thiazides and thiazide-like diuretics inhibit the electroneutral Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter located on the apical membrane of the early segment of the distal convoluted tubule. They have been widely prescribed over 60 years in the treatment of hypertension and various edematous states. AREAS COVERED: Thiazide diuretics reduce blood pressure (BP), although the mechanisms by which they chronically lower BP remain unknown. These drugs present a flat dose-response curve that explains why when prescribed at high doses their use was associated with a wide range of adverse effects, particularly electrolyte changes and metabolic abnormalities that can be minimized at the low doses actually prescribed. This article reviews the clinical pharmacology of thiazide diuretics to provide an insight into the mechanisms involved in their antihypertensive and adverse effects, the determinants of drug response and the possible differences in their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties in an attempt to improve their clinical use in the treatment of arterial hypertension. EXPERT OPINION: At low doses, thiazide diuretics remain as an effective and safe therapeutic alternative in the treatment of hypertension. Additionally, their ability to increase the efficacy of nearly all other classes of antihypertensives makes them a highly versatile therapeutic intervention in the treatment of hypertension.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
IndapamideSolute carrier family 12 member 3ProteinHumans
Yes
Inhibitor
Details