Definition

Noun: A thiazide diuretic drug used primarily in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and edema (fluid retention). It works by increasing the excretion of water and sodium from the body through the kidneys.

Usage

This word is a specific, technical term used almost exclusively in medical and pharmaceutical contexts. It is used to refer to the drug itself, its prescription, and its effects. - The doctor prescribed hydroflumethiazide to manage the patient's edema. - Hydroflumethiazide is one treatment option for essential hypertension.

Advanced Usage

• Therapeutic class: The term is used to classify the drug within the broader category of thiazide diuretics.
  • As a thiazide diuretic, hydroflumethiazide inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule.

Variants and Related Words

• Diuretic (n): A general term for any substance that promotes diuresis (increased urine production).
• Thiazide (n): The class of diuretics to which hydroflumethiazide belongs.
• Antihypertensive (n/adj): A substance or treatment that reduces high blood pressure.

Synonyms

• Diuretic agent
• Thiazide diuretic (this is its class, often used as a functional synonym in context)

Notes on Meaning

This word has a single, precise meaning in the domain of medicine and pharmacology. It does not have idiomatic uses or phrasal verbs.

Noun

1. diuretic used to treat hypertension and edema