Chlorthalidone falls under which class of drugs?

Chlorthalidone is classified as a thiazide diuretic. This class of drugs primarily works by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron in the kidneys, leading to increased excretion of sodium and water, which helps in reducing blood volume and blood pressure.

Thiazide diuretics are often used as first-line agents in the treatment of hypertension due to their effectiveness and relatively favorable side effect profile. They also have additional benefits such as reducing the risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis by enhancing calcium reabsorption.

In contrast, loop diuretics target the loop of Henle and have a different mechanism and clinical uses, primarily for conditions like heart failure and edema. Potassium-sparing diuretics work primarily on the collecting ducts and can help preserve potassium levels in the body, while calcium channel blockers are a different class of antihypertensive agents that work by relaxing the vascular smooth muscle and decreasing heart rate to lower blood pressure. Hence, chlorthalidone's mechanism, clinical applications, and effects are characteristic of thiazide diuretics.