Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCZ or HCT) is a popular diuretic drug that acts by inhibiting the kidney's ability to retain water.

Indications

It is often used to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure and symptomatic edema. It is effective in diabetes insipidus and is also sometimes used in hypercalciuria.

Structure

The chemical name for HCZ is 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide, and its empirical formula is C₇H₈ClN₃O₄S₂.

Activity

Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the thiazide class of diuretics, acting on the kidney to reduce sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule. This reduces the osmotic pressure in the kidney, causing less water to be reabsorbed by the collecting ducts.

Side effects

• hypokalemia
• hypomagnesemia
• hyperuricemia and gout
• hyperglycemia
• hypercholesterolemia

Hypokalemia can be usually prevented by potassium supplements or combining hydrochlorothiazide with a potassium-sparing diuretic.