title: Diuretics: correct use in hypertension.
abstract: The use of diuretics for the treatment of hypertension had fallen significantly from 1990 until 1997, when their use again began to increase. Their recent return to popularity reflects 3 major factors: (1) the recognition of the effectiveness of much lower doses than used previously, thereby providing good antihypertensive action with fewer side effects; (2) the excellent reductions in morbidity and mortality achieved by low-dose diuretic-based therapy in multiple, randomized controlled trials in elderly hypertensives; and (3) the increasing recognition that some diuretic-induced shrinkage of effective blood volume is essential for adequate treatment of many, if not most, hypertensives.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-8899, USA.
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Kaplan
mesh_terms: D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D004232:Diuretics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D004232:Diuretics