Thiazide diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ)
Posted by dkwinter

Mechanism
     Inhibits NaCl reabsorption in early distal tubule, reducing diluting capacity of the nephron
Treats
     Hypertension
     CHF
     Edema 2/2 CHF, renal disease, liver disease
     Idiopathic hypercalciuria
     Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Adverse-effects*
     Decreased tolerance to glucose--well known, be careful in patients with signs of metabolic syndrome
     Increased LDL cholesterol
     Weight gain
     Pancreatitis
     Orthostatic hypotension
     Increased plasma triglycerides
     *despite these, thiazides have demonstrated decreased CV mortality and morbidity at least equal to that of ACE-I, dihydropyridine CCBs) in large-scale clinical trials
     Uric-acid retention (->gout)
     Hyponatremia
     Hypokalemia
     Hypercalcemia (due to decreased Ca2+ excretion)
Contraindications
     Pregnancy