Hydrochlorothiazide is categorized as which type of medication?

Hydrochlorothiazide is categorized as which type of medication?

• A. Diuretic
• B. Beta-blocker
• C. ACE inhibitor
• D. Calcium channel blocker

Answer: (A)

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic because it promotes diuresis by blocking the sodium-chloride cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing excretion of sodium and water. This diuretic effect reduces blood volume and helps lower blood pressure and edema. It is not a beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor, or calcium channel blocker, which have different mechanisms: beta-blockers decrease heart rate and contractility; ACE inhibitors block angiotensin II formation; calcium channel blockers reduce calcium influx in vascular and cardiac smooth muscle. Thiazide diuretics can cause electrolyte disturbances, such as hypokalemia, so monitoring potassium is important.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic because it promotes diuresis by blocking the sodium-chloride cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing excretion of sodium and water. This diuretic effect reduces blood volume and helps lower blood pressure and edema. It is not a beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor, or calcium channel blocker, which have different mechanisms: beta-blockers decrease heart rate and contractility; ACE inhibitors block angiotensin II formation; calcium channel blockers reduce calcium influx in vascular and cardiac smooth muscle. Thiazide diuretics can cause electrolyte disturbances, such as hypokalemia, so monitoring potassium is important.