How do thiazide diuretics work?
One of their effects is to make the kidneys pass out more fluid. They do this by interfering with the transport of salt and water across certain cells in the kidneys. Thiazide diuretics tend to have only a weak action on the kidneys so you dont notice a great increase of urine if you take these (compared to loop diuretics). They also have an effect to widen (dilate) blood vessels. A combination of these two effects reduces the blood pressure. What are the possible side-effects of thiazide diuretics? Side-effects are uncommon as the dose needed to lower blood pressure is low. The leaflet which comes in the tablet package provides a full list of possible side-effects. These include: • A possible increase in your blood sugar level. Some people with diabetes may need more treatment to keep the blood sugar level normal. • A possible increase the level of uric acid. So, if you have gout you may have more gout attacks. A first attack of gout is sometimes triggered by taking a diuretic. • The
