Summary of Clinical Use

Diuretic and anti-hypertensive drug used as an adjunctive therapy in edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and corticosteroid and estrogen therapy. Chlorothiazide is used in the treatment of hypertension either alone or as an adjuvant to other drugs in the treatment of severe forms of the condition.

Mechanism Of Action and Pharmacodynamic Effects

Chlorothiazide inhibits the thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter (Na-Cl symporter, SLC12A3). The main action of chlorothiazide is inhibition of active chloride reabsorption in the early distal tubule of the kidney, via the Na-Cl symporter, resulting in an increase in the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water. This activity may also result in increased potassium excretion via the sodium-potassium exchange mechanism.