Definition

Noun: A thiazide is any one of a class of drugs primarily used to increase urine output (diuretics) and to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). They work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing sodium and chloride, which leads to increased excretion of water and electrolytes.

Usage

Thiazides are prescribed medications. The word is typically used in medical, pharmacological, and clinical contexts. - The doctor prescribed a thiazide to help manage the patient's edema. - Hydrochlorothiazide is a commonly used thiazide diuretic.

Advanced Usage

• Thiazide-type diuretic: This is a common clarifying phrase used to specify this particular class of drugs within the broader category of diuretics.
  • First-line pharmacological therapy for uncomplicated hypertension often includes a thiazide-type diuretic.

Variants and Related Words

• Thiazide diuretic (noun phrase): The full term, often used interchangeably with "thiazide."
• Thiazide-like diuretic (noun phrase): Refers to drugs (e.g., chlorthalidone, indapamide) that have a similar mechanism of action and clinical use but a slightly different chemical structure.

Synonyms

• Diuretic (general term for water pills)
• Water pill (informal, general term)

Note: "Thiazide" is a specific scientific/medical term. While "diuretic" is a synonym, it is a broader category that includes other drug classes.

Noun

1. any of a group of drugs commonly used as diuretics in the treatment of hypertension; they block the reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys