Bendroflumethiazide

Bendroflumethiazide (INN), formerly bendrofluazide (BAN), trade name Aprinox, is a thiazide diuretic used to treat hypertension.

Bendroflumethiazide is a thiazide diuretic which works by inhibiting sodium reabsorption at the beginning of the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). Water is lost as a result of more sodium reaching the collecting ducts. Bendroflumethiazide has a role in the treatment of mild heart failure although loop diuretics are better for reducing overload. The main use of bendroflumethiazide currently is in hypertension (part of the effect is due to vasodilation).

Common adverse effects:

• postural hypotension
• hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, hypercalcaemia
• gout
• impaired glucose tolerance
• impotence

Rare adverse effects:

• thrombocytopenia
• agranulocytosis
• pancreatitis