The Sound of Evolution
Chlorthalidone
Mechanism of action:
Chlorthalidone is a thiazide-like diuretic. Chlorthalidone mainly acts on the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, where it inhibits the Na⁺/Cl⁻ cotransporter and reduces the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions, thereby increasing the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water.
Reference(s):
1. Wright JM et al. (1999). Systematic review of antihypertensive therapies: does the evidence assist in choosing a first-line drug? CMAJ.
2. Siragy HM et al. (2003). Major outcomes in high-risk hypertensive patients randomized to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or calcium channel blocker vs diuretic: The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT). Curr Hypertens Rep.
3. ALLHAT Collaborative Research Group. (2000). Major cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients randomized to doxazosin vs chlorthalidone: the antihypertensive and lipid-lowering treatment to prevent heart attack trial (ALLHAT). JAMA.