Hydrochlorothiazide should be used only in patients with what kind of renal function?

Hydrochlorothiazide should be used only in patients with what kind of renal function?

• A. It should not be used
• B. It is safe in renal failure
• C. Hydrochlorothiazide should be used only in patients with normal renal function
• D. It should be used in severe hepatic disease

Answer: (C)

Hydrochlorothiazide works by inhibiting the Na–Cl transporter in the distal convoluted tubule, so its diuretic effect depends on delivering filtrate to that part of the kidney. If renal function is impaired, less filtrate reaches the distal tubule, and the drug becomes much less effective. Therefore it is best used when renal function is normal. The other statements aren’t correct because one cannot rely on it in renal failure, and hepatic disease status does not determine its use.

Hydrochlorothiazide works by inhibiting the Na–Cl transporter in the distal convoluted tubule, so its diuretic effect depends on delivering filtrate to that part of the kidney. If renal function is impaired, less filtrate reaches the distal tubule, and the drug becomes much less effective. Therefore it is best used when renal function is normal. The other statements aren’t correct because one cannot rely on it in renal failure, and hepatic disease status does not determine its use.