Final answer:
The suffix -THIAZIDE denotes that the drug is a thiazide diuretic, used primarily to treat high blood pressure by increasing urine production. Chlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone, and Hydrochlorothiazide are examples of thiazide diuretics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The suffix -THIAZIDE indicates that the drug is a type of diuretic, specifically a thiazide diuretic. Thiazide diuretics are medications used to treat high blood pressure by helping to reduce the amount of water in the body through increasing urine output. They also dilate blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure.
Examples of thiazide diuretics include Chlorothiazide (Diuril), Chlorthalidone (Hygroton), and Hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, Hydrodiuril). These medications effectively manage hypertension and are also used in the treatment of edema associated with heart, liver, or kidney disease. Thiazide diuretics can also prevent the formation of kidney stones and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack in individuals with high blood pressure.
Contrast with Other Drug Classes
It's important to distinguish thiazide diuretics from other types of diuretics, such as loop diuretics and potassium-sparing diuretics. For example, Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic, while Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Each type of diuretic affects different parts of the kidneys and has different uses and side effects.