Diuretics Flashcards
What are the indications of thiazides? (2)
- To relieve edema in CHF
2. To reduce BP (in lower doses)
When are loop diuretics indicated?
For the treatment of pulmonary edema due to ventricular failure and in patients with CHF
When is treatment with combination diuretic therapy indicated?
In patients with edema resistant to treatment with one diuretic
Rapid reduction of plasma volume should be avoided however; vigorous diuresis, particularly with loop diuretics, may induce acute hypotension
Name the thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics referred to in the BNF (9)
- Chlorthalidone
- Indapamide
- Bendroflumethiazide
- Xipamide
- Metolazone
- Benzathiazide
- Clopamide
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydroflumethiazide
What class of drug is chlorthalidone?
Thiazide-like diuretic
Which drugs are considered thiazide-like diuretics? (3)
- Chlorthalidone
- Indapamide
- Metolazone
Which drugs are considered thiazide-type diuretics? (3)
- Chlorothiazide
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Bendroflumethiazide
(And others)
What dosage of thiazides is preferred in the treatment of HTN?
Low dose; in the management of hypertension a low dose of a thiazide produces a maximal or near-maximal blood pressure lowering effect, with very little biochemical disturbance. Higher doses cause more marked changes in plasma potassium, sodium, uric acid, glucose, and lipids, with little advantage in blood pressure control
Which thiazide diuretics are preferred in the management of HTN? (2)
- Chlorthalidone
2. Indapamide
Which thiazide diuretic is preferred for the treatment of mild-moderate HF?
Bendroflumethiazide
Which thiazide diuretic is preferred for the treatment of HTN in patients with metabolic disorders like diabetes?
Indapamide; claimed to lower blood pressure with less metabolic disturbance, particularly less aggravation of diabetes mellitus.
Which diuretic is most effective when combined with a loop diuretic?
Metolazone; profound diuresis can occur and the patient should therefore be monitored carefully
Which thiazide diuretic can also be used in the managnement of ascites due to cirrhosis in stable patients (under close supervision)?
Chlorthalidone, up to 50 mg daily PO
What is the mechanism of action of thiazides?
Inhibition of the Na/Cl co-transporter a the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron; this prevents reabsorption of sodium and its osmotically-associated water
What are the side effects of thiazide diuretics? (9)
- Hypochloremic alkalosis (loss of Cl > loss of bicarb AND contraction alkalosis)
- Hyponatremia
- Hypokalemia (vs “K-sparing diuretics”)
- Hypotension
- Hyperglycemia
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hyperuricemia (may precipitate gout)
- Hypercalcemia
- also may induce impotence
(4 hypo and 4 hyper; Hypers can be remembered with the acronym, “HyperGLUC”)
What are the contraindications to thiazide use? (5)
- Addison’s disease (increased risk of electrolyte imbalance)
- Hypercalcemia
- Hyponatremia
- Refractory hypokalemia
- Symptomatic hyperuricemia
For which patients should particular caution be used when prescribing thiazides? (5)
Patients with:
- Diabetes
- Gout
- Risk of hypokalemia
- SLE
**all may be exacerbated by thiazides
(AND in the elderly)
Are thiazides safe to use in pregnancy and lactation?
No, they may cause neonatal thrombocytopenia, bone marrow suppression, jaundice, electrolyte disturbances, and hypoglycemia; placental perfusion may also be reduced
May be used during breastfeeding BUT large doses may suppress lactation
Are thiazides safe to use in renal impairment?
Caution in mild to moderate impairment due to risk of electrolyte imbalance and reduced renal function
Avoid in severe impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min)
Are thiazides safe to use in hepatic impairment?
Caution in mild to moderate impairment; avoid in severe impairment
Is monitoring required for patients using thiazides?
Electrolytes should be monitored, particularly with high doses and long-term use
The list of drug interactions for thiazides is LONG. However, which particular types of interactions should you be on the look-out for? (5)
Other drugs that increase the risk of
- Hypokalemia (this is the main one)
- Acute renal failure
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypotension
- Hyponatremia