| Mechanism | * Inhibits Na/Cl reabsorption in distal tubules * Stimulate K excretion further down distal tubule |
| Typical Dose | 2.5-10mg PO OD in the morning |
| Indications | * Oedema * HTN * Prophylaxis of Ca2+ containing renal stones |
| Contra-indications | * Refractory hypokalaemia/hyponatremia/Hypercalcaemia * Addision’s disease * Caution: gout, diabetes, SLE |
| Side-effects | ↓ K+ ↑ Ca2+ ↓ Mg2+, ↑ urate (± gout). * Postural hypotension * Altered plasma lipid concentrations |
| Interactions | * Digoxin - hypokalaemia * Lithium - decreased excretion |
| Elimination | |
| Additional Notes | Initial decrease in fluid volume and CO but long term the decrease in BP is due to lower peripheral vascular resistance |