The effect was similar to that obtained when thiazides are used as a single agent .
Thiazides when given as a second-line drug have a dose related effect to lower blood pressure that is similar to when they are added as a first-line drug .
This means that the BP lowering effect of thiazides is additive .
Loop diuretics appear to have a similar blood pressure lowering effect as thiazides at 1 times the recommended starting dose .
Because of the short duration of the trials and lack of reporting of adverse events , this review does not provide a good estimate of the incidence of adverse effects of diuretics given as a second-line drug
BACKGROUND Diuretics are widely prescribed for hypertension not only as a first-line drug but also as a second-line drug .
Therefore , it is essential to determine the effects of diuretics on blood pressure ( BP ) , heart rate and withdrawals due to adverse effects ( WDAEs ) when given as a second-line drug .
Lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide combination compared with the monocomponents in elderly hypertensive patients.
The fixed combination of lisinopril 20 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg ( L/HCTZ ) was compared with each of the monocomponents in a multicentre , double-blind , r and omized , parallel-group study involving elderly patients with mild to severe hypertension . At the end of the trial , a total of 278 patients had completed 8 weeks of treatment . SBP reduction from baseline in the L/HCTZ group was significantly greater , sitting and st and ing , compared with both the monotherapy groups . Sitting DBP reduction from baseline in the L/HCTZ group was significantly greater than in the hydrochlorothiazide group . Uric acid levels were raised significantly more in the L/HCTZ group compared with the lisinopril group , and the fall in potassium levels were significantly smaller in the L/HCTZ group compared with the hydrochlorothiazide group . Safety and tolerability were equivalent for the three groups
The effect was similar to that obtained when thiazides are used as a single agent .
Thiazides when given as a second-line drug have a dose related effect to lower blood pressure that is similar to when they are added as a first-line drug .
This means that the BP lowering effect of thiazides is additive .
Loop diuretics appear to have a similar blood pressure lowering effect as thiazides at 1 times the recommended starting dose .
Because of the short duration of the trials and lack of reporting of adverse events , this review does not provide a good estimate of the incidence of adverse effects of diuretics given as a second-line drug
BACKGROUND Diuretics are widely prescribed for hypertension not only as a first-line drug but also as a second-line drug .
Therefore , it is essential to determine the effects of diuretics on blood pressure ( BP ) , heart rate and withdrawals due to adverse effects ( WDAEs ) when given as a second-line drug .