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