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Diuretics for hypertension: Hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthalidone?
Danielle Cooney1, Sherry Milfred-LaForest1, Mahboob Rahman1,2
1Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
|August 14, 2015
Summary
Hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone are thiazide diuretics used for hypertension. This review compares their literature, noting increasing interest in chlorthalidone for managing high blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- Thiazide diuretics are primary treatments for hypertension.
- Hydrochlorothiazide is widely prescribed in the US.
- Chlorthalidone is gaining attention as an alternative antihypertensive agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone.
- To review current literature on these two thiazide diuretics.
- To inform clinical practice regarding hypertension management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of comparative studies.
- Analysis of clinical trial data.
- Synthesis of evidence on thiazide diuretic use.
Main Results:
- Summarizes existing research comparing hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone.
- Highlights the growing interest and evidence base for chlorthalidone.
- Provides an overview of their respective roles in hypertension treatment.
Conclusions:
- Hydrochlorothiazide remains a common choice for hypertension.
- Chlorthalidone presents a compelling alternative with increasing evidence.
- Further research may clarify optimal thiazide diuretic selection.
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