Definition

Noun: A thiazide diuretic medication used primarily to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention (edema). It works by causing the kidneys to remove more water and sodium from the body.

Usage

Hydrochlorothiazide is used as a prescription medication. * It is typically taken once daily, often in the morning. * It is used alone or in combination with other drugs to control hypertension. * Doctors may prescribe it to reduce edema caused by conditions like heart failure.

Examples

• The doctor prescribed hydrochlorothiazide to help lower my blood pressure.
• A common side effect of hydrochlorothiazide is increased urination.
• The patient's edema improved after starting a regimen of hydrochlorothiazide.

Advanced Usage

• Therapeutic Class: It is classified as a thiazide diuretic and antihypertensive agent.
• Mechanism of Action: It inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, promoting the excretion of sodium and water.

Variants and Related Words

• HCTZ: A common abbreviation for hydrochlorothiazide.
• Thiazide Diuretic: The class of drugs to which hydrochlorothiazide belongs.
• Microzide™, Esidrix™, HydroDIURIL™: Brand names for hydrochlorothiazide.

Synonyms

• Diuretic
• Water pill (informal term for diuretics in general)

Related Phrases

• On hydrochlorothiazide: Describing a patient's medication regimen.
  • The elderly patient, who is on hydrochlorothiazide, should be monitored for electrolyte imbalances.
• Hydrochlorothiazide therapy: Refers to the treatment using this drug.
  • The study evaluated the long-term outcomes of hydrochlorothiazide therapy.

Noun

1. a diuretic drug (trade name Microzide, Esidrix, and HydroDIURIL) used in the treatment of hypertension