Small molecule
PubChem CID 3639
Hydrochlorothiazide
Microzide
- Mechanism of action
- Thiazide diuretic (Na+/Cl- cotransporter inhibitor)
- In plain language
- Helps the kidneys flush out extra salt and water, which lowers blood pressure.
- How it works
- Hydrochlorothiazide selectively inhibits the Na+/Cl- cotransporter (NCC) on the apical membrane of epithelial cells in the distal convoluted tubule, reducing sodium and chloride reabsorption and increasing distal delivery of sodium along with obligatory water loss. The resulting natriuresis produces an acute reduction in extracellular fluid volume, which accounts for the initial antihypertensive effect. With chronic administration, plasma volume partially normalizes while peripheral vascular resistance remains reduced, sustaining the blood-pressure-lowering effect through a still-incompletely-characterized vasodilatory mechanism. Increased distal sodium delivery also promotes compensatory potassium and hydrogen ion exchange, underlying the drug's characteristic electrolyte effects.
- Therapeutic applications
- Indicated for the management of hypertension, either as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Related tablet formulations also carry an indication as adjunctive therapy for edema associated with congestive heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, corticosteroid or estrogen therapy, and various forms of renal dysfunction.
- Class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Cardiovascular
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