Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics

Course overview

The thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics are one of the four first-choice drugs for treating primary hypertension in specific populations. Because of their effectiveness in lowering blood pressure, the thiazide diuretics are still considered a first-line choice for treating hypertension in patients, including those with diabetes. The frequency of adverse effects for the thiazides is not reported in the prescribing information, and this makes it difficult to determine what adverse effects to expect. Clinicians should remember that when monitoring patients for adverse effects that the thiazides lower blood pressure, reduce intravascular volume, can affect electrolytes, glucose, and lipids, and uric acid, and may exacerbate or precipitate specific disease states. No Test Required!