Diuretics: Mechanism of Action Quiz

Thiazide Diuretics

• The primary mechanism of action of thiazide diuretics is to inhibit the Na-Cl symporter in the distal convoluted tubule, leading to increased excretion of sodium and water.
• Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that also has calcium channel blocking activity.
• The long-term antihypertensive effect of thiazide diuretics is primarily attributed to their ability to reduce peripheral vascular resistance.
• The main use of thiazide diuretics in the treatment of kidney stones is to reduce the excretion of calcium in the urine.
• A common side effect associated with thiazide diuretics is hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
• Thiazide diuretics decrease blood pressure primarily by reducing sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to a decrease in blood volume and cardiac output.
• Thiazide diuretics are not typically used to treat heart failure.
• Chlorthalidone differs from other thiazide diuretics in its longer duration of action.
• The main side effect associated with thiazide diuretics is hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
• In addition to decreasing blood pressure, another long-term effect of thiazide diuretics related to their antihypertensive effect is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Phenoxybenzamine

• Phenoxybenzamine is classified as a non-selective alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker.
• The primary long-term effect of phenoxybenzamine related to its antihypertensive action is to reduce peripheral vascular resistance.
• In addition to decreasing blood pressure, phenoxybenzamine's action on adrenergic receptors also leads to a decrease in cardiac output.
• Phenoxybenzamine decreases blood pressure primarily by blocking alpha-1 receptors, leading to vasodilation.
• The main use of phenoxybenzamine in medical treatment is to treat pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal gland.