Any benzothiadiazide derivative or other thiazide-like agent with diuretic and anti-hypertensive activity. Thiazide diuretics inhibit the sodium-chloride transporter in the distal tubule in the kidneys, thereby suppressing sodium and chloride reabsorption from the distal convoluted tubules (DCT) and increasing the excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium and water. In addition, thiazide diuretics decrease excretion of calcium and uric acid. These agents cause vasodilation possibly by activating calcium-activated potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle and inhibiting various carbonic anhydrases in vascular tissue.

(diuretics, thiazide) Diuretics characterized as analogs of 1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1,1-dioxide. All have a common mechanism of action and differ primarily in the dose required to produce a given effect. They act directly on the kidney to increase the excretion of sodium chloride and water. Also, diuretics increase excretion of potassium ions.