chlorthalidone
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun A synthetic sulfonamide-derived compound used primarily as a long-acting diuretic and antihypertensive medication. It promotes the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys, thereby reducing fluid volume and lowering blood pressure.
Usage and Examples
- Primary Medical Use: Chlorthalidone is prescribed to manage hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Example: The doctor added chlorthalidone to her treatment regimen to better control her blood pressure.
- Secondary Medical Use: It is also used to treat edema (fluid retention) associated with conditions like congestive heart failure or kidney disorders.
- Example: The patient's edema improved significantly after starting chlorthalidone.
Advanced Usage Notes
- Pharmacological Class: Chlorthalidone is classified as a thiazide-like diuretic. It is often noted for its long duration of action, which can provide 24-hour blood pressure control with once-daily dosing.
- Therapeutic Context: In clinical guidelines, chlorthalidone is frequently cited as a first-line or recommended agent for the initial management of uncomplicated hypertension.
Variants and Related Words
- Trade Names: The word is the generic (non-proprietary) name. Common brand names under which it is sold include Hygroton and Thalidone.
- Example: The prescription was written for the generic chlorthalidone, but the pharmacy also carries it under the brand name Hygroton.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Diuretic: A general term for a substance that increases urine production. Chlorthalidone is a specific type of diuretic.
- Antihypertensive: A substance that lowers high blood pressure. This describes one of chlorthalidone's primary functions.
- Thiazide-like diuretic: A more precise pharmacological synonym describing its mechanism and chemical similarity to thiazide diuretics.
Important Notes (Not Idioms or Phrasal Verbs)
- Clinical Note: As a potent diuretic, chlorthalidone can cause electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium, low sodium). Medical supervision is required.
- Historical Context: The suffix "-thalidone" is distinct. It is crucial to note that chlorthalidone is not chemically or functionally related to the drug thalidomide, despite the superficial similarity in name.
Noun
- a diuretic (trade names Hygroton and Thalidone) used to control hypertension and conditions that cause edema; effective in lowering blood pressure to prevent heart attacks