Trichlormethiazide

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Trichlormethiazide (currently being sold under the brand names of Achletin, Diu-Hydrin and Triflumen) is a diuretic with properties similar to those of hydrochlorothiazide.^[1] It is usually administered for the treatment of oedema (including that which is associated with heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis and corticosteroid therapy) and hypertension.^[1]

As a diuretic (in particular a thiazide), Trichlormethiazide encourages water loss from the body.^[1] Trichlormethiazide works by inhibiting Na⁺/Cl^– ion reabsorption from the distal tubules of the kidneys.^[1] In addition, Trichlormethiazide increases the excretion of potassium.^[1]

Trichlormethiazide appears to block the active reabsorption of chloride and possibly sodium in the ascending loop of Henle. This results in excretion of sodium, chloride and water, and thus acts as a diuretic.^[1] Although Trichlormethiazide is used to treat hypertension, it’s hypotensive effects may aren’t necessarily due to their role as a diuretic.^[1] Thiazides in general cause vasodilation by activating calcium-activated potassium channels in vascular smooth muscles and inhibiting various carbonic anhydrases in vascular tissue.^[1]