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Pediatric Nephrology
Published in: Pediatric Nephrology 12/2016

01-12-2016 | Educational Review

Diuretics in the treatment of hypertension

Author: Douglas L. Blowey

Published in: Pediatric Nephrology | Issue 12/2016

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Abstract

Diuretics have long been used for the treatment of hypertension. Thiazide diuretics are the most commonly prescribed diuretics for hypertension, but other classes of diuretics may be useful in alternative circumstances. Although diuretics are no longer considered the preferred agent for treatment of hypertension in adults and children, they remain acceptable first-line options. Diuretics effectively decrease blood pressure in hypertensive patients, and in adults with hypertension reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Because of varied pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences, chlorthalidone may be the preferred thiazide diuretic in the treatment of primary hypertension. Other types of diuretics (e.g., loop, potassium sparing) may be useful for the treatment of hypertension related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other varied conditions. Common side effects of thiazides are mostly dose-related and involve electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities.
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Metadata
Title
Diuretics in the treatment of hypertension
Author
Douglas L. Blowey
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Pediatric Nephrology / Issue 12/2016
Print ISSN: 0931-041X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-198X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-016-3334-4

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