Hydrochlorothiazide
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Image:Hydrochlorothiazide.png | |
6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H- 1,2,4-benzothiadiazine- 7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide | |
CAS number 58-93-5 | ATC code C03AA03 |
Chemical formula | C7H8ClN3O4S2 |
Molecular weight | 297.742 |
Bioavailability | Variably absorbed from GI tract |
Metabolism | ? |
Elimination half-life | 5.6-14.8 hours |
Excretion | Primarily excreted unchanged in urine |
Pregnancy category | B (D if used to treat pregnancy-induced hypertension) |
Legal status | By prescription only |
Routes of administration | Oral (capsules, tablets, oral solution) |
Hydrochlorothiazide (Apo-Hydro®, Aquazide H®, Microzide®, Oretic®), sometimes abbreviated HCT, HCTZ, or HZT is a popular diuretic drug that acts by inhibiting the kidney's ability to retain water. This reduces the volume of the blood, decreasing peripheral vascular resistance.
Activity
Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the thiazide class of diuretics, acting on the kidney to reduce sodium (Na) reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule. This reduces the osmotic pressure in the kidney, causing less water to be reabsorbed by the collecting ducts.
Indications
HCT 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.
Hypokalemia, an occasional side-effect, can be usually prevented by potassium supplements or combining hydrochlorothiazide with a potassium-sparing diuretic.