Hydrochlorothiazide (HyperGLUC) Mnemonic

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic that acts in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney on the Na/Cl- symporter to reduce blood pressure/ volume. However, like any medication it comes with side effects. A common mnemonic used to remember these effects is HyperGLUC

HYPERglycemia (It occurs at higher doses of HCTZ (> 50 mg/d); Thiazides have a weak, dose-dependent, effect to stimulate ATP-sensitive K+ channels and cause hyperpolarization of beta cells, thereby inhibiting insulin release)

HYPERlipidemia (cause a 5–15% increase in total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs))

HYPERuricemia (may precipitate acute gouty arthritis)

HYPERcalcemia (increased renal calcium resorption and decrease calcium in urine)

NOTE: It can have HYPO effects in serum: including HYPOkalemia, HYPOnatremia and HYPOtension (decreases blood volume and peripheral vascular resistance)

REFERENCES

  1. CHAPTER 15: Diuretic Agents. Ramin Sam; David Pearce; Harlan E. Ives. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 13e
Get Medical Pearls directly to your inbox every week!
Weekly posts with high yield medical knowledge, directly to your mailbox!
Dr. C Humphreys

Internal Medicine

Recent Posts

Older Age and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Older age is recognized as a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea.[1] But why? Suspected…

2 months ago

How does Weight Affect Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Being overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2)/Obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) is one of the most…

2 months ago

Nocturia and OSA: Mechanism

Nocturia is a common symptom associated with obstructive sleep apnea. [1] Img Cred: Am J…

1 year ago

ASD vs. VSD Murmur Difference

ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) Wide, Fixed split S2 (in contrast to the normal variation in…

1 year ago

Mechanism of a Mixed Apnea

Mixed apneas are characterized by absent respiratory effort and airflow in the first section of…

2 years ago

How Does Hypothyroidism Cause Hypoventilation?

Although rare, the differential diagnosis of hypoventilation and hypercapnia respiratory failure includes hypothyroidism. It is…

2 years ago

This website uses cookies.