Thiazides are a type of diuretic commonly used for the initial treatment of high blood pressure, especially in older people. They help eliminate sodium and water from the body and reduce blood volume. In addition, these drugs reduce the amount of calcium excreted in the urine.
Studies show that women and men taking a thiazide drug have fewer hip fractures.
Women taking these drugs also have improved bone mineral density, indicating less bone loss. Other side benefits of thiazide medications include reduced risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and death among people with high blood pressure. Thiazide drugs may also be used to prevent osteoporosis in people with normal blood pressure. Use of this site signifies your agreement to the terms of use . A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only.