Class Explorer · Cardiovascular
Thiazide diuretics
Block the distal Na-Cl cotransporter; modest diuresis, durable vascular antihypertensive effect.
Members
HydrochlorothiazideThe thiazide: modest diuresis, durable blood-pressure effect, and a fistful of electrolyte homework.IndapamideA thiazide-like diuretic that keeps working when the kidney is tired.
Also in this class: Chlorthalidone (longer, trial-favored) · Indapamide (thiazide-like). Full pages arrive as the library grows.
Compare the members
Hydrochlorothiazide
- Half-life
- 6-15 h
- Distinguishing point
- Most prescribed, least trial-backed
Shared across the class
- Indications
- Hypertension · Calcium stone prevention
- Adverse effects
- Hyponatremia · Hypokalemia · Hyperuricemia · Mild hyperglycemia · Photosensitivity
- Contraindications
- Anuria
- Monitoring
- Sodium and potassium within 2-4 weeks · Blood pressure · Uric acid in gout
What makes each agent different
- Chlorthalidone and indapamide are longer-acting and carry more of the outcome-trial weight than HCTZ.
- Thiazides raise calcium; loops lose it: the mnemonic that decides stone and osteoporosis edge cases.
New confusion weeks after starting a thiazide in an older adult is hyponatremia until proven otherwise.
Last reviewed 2026-08-15 · Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed.