Home Drug Guide Benzthiazide

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Benzthiazide

Brand Names Fovane, Urese, Exna, Aquatag

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihypertensive, Diuretic

Pharmacological: Thiazide Diuretic

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of hypertension
  • Edema associated with congestive heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, or renal disease

Mechanism of Action

Benzthiazide inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, leading to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, water, and other electrolytes, thereby reducing blood volume and blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 25-50 mg once daily, can be adjusted based on response.

Pediatric: Use with caution; dosage determined by medical provider based on condition.

Geriatric: Start at lower doses; monitor closely due to increased risk of electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment may be necessary; caution in severe impairment.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor for adverse effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution: Widely distributed; protein binding approximately 20-40%.

Metabolism: Minimally metabolized.

Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Half Life: Approximately 2-5 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to benzthiazide or sulfonamides.
  • Anuria.

Precautions

  • Electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia), especially in elderly or dehydrated patients.
  • Impaired renal or hepatic function.
  • Use with caution in diabetes mellitus, gout, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia) (Common)
  • Hypotension (Common)
  • Dizziness, weakness (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Electrolyte imbalance leading to cardiac arrhythmias (Serious)
  • Blood dyscrasias (rare) (Rare)
  • Photosensitivity (rare) (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Other antihypertensives, increasing hypotensive effect.
  • Lithium, risk of toxicity.
  • NSAIDs, may reduce diuretic efficacy and impair renal function.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, serum electrolytes, renal function, hydration status.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for electrolyte imbalance
  • Risk for impaired renal function

Implementation: Administer in the morning to avoid nocturia. Monitor electrolytes regularly.

Evaluation: Assess blood pressure response and electrolyte levels periodically.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed, preferably in the morning.
  • Notify provider if dizziness, weakness, or muscle cramps occur.
  • Maintain adequate hydration and balanced diet, including potassium-rich foods.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol and salt intake unless directed.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None currently.

Genetic Factors: None specific.

Lab Test Interference: None known.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, hypotension.

Treatment: Discontinue medication, restore electrolytes, provide fluid and electrolyte replacement, supportive care.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Stability: Stable under proper storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.