chlorothiazide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical/Specialized)Formal / Medical / Technical
Quick answer
What does “chlorothiazide” mean?
A specific diuretic and antihypertensive medication belonging to the thiazide class.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific diuretic and antihypertensive medication belonging to the thiazide class.
A synthetic sulfonamide derivative used primarily to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and edema (fluid retention). It works by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, increasing urine output and reducing blood volume.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The drug is known under the same generic name in both regions.
Connotations
Purely clinical and technical. No cultural or colloquial connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to medical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “chlorothiazide” in a Sentence
The doctor prescribed chlorothiazide for the edema.Chlorothiazide is administered orally.The patient's condition improved with chlorothiazide.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chlorothiazide” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The consultant decided to chlorothiazide the patient to manage the fluid overload. (Very rare/technical verbal use)
American English
- We may need to chlorothiazide him if the swelling persists. (Very rare/technical verbal use)
adjective
British English
- The chlorothiazide regimen was initiated last Tuesday.
- She experienced a chlorothiazide-induced electrolyte imbalance.
American English
- The chlorothiazide dosage was adjusted downward.
- A chlorothiazide-related side effect was reported.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in pharmacology, medicine, and biochemistry textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A patient might say 'my water pill' instead.
Technical
The primary context of use. Found in medical notes, prescriptions, clinical guidelines, and scientific literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chlorothiazide”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chlorothiazide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chlorothiazide”
- Misspelling: 'chlorathiazide', 'chlorothiozide'.
- Mispronunciation: placing stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., /ˈklɔːrəθaɪəzaɪd/).
- Confusing it with other thiazides like hydrochlorothiazide.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While historically significant as the first marketed thiazide, it is less commonly prescribed today than its derivative, hydrochlorothiazide, which is more potent milligram for milligram.
Like other thiazides, it can cause hypokalemia (low potassium), hyperuricemia, dizziness, and increased blood sugar.
No. It is a prescription-only medication in the UK, US, and most countries.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a hydrogenated derivative of chlorothiazide. It is more widely used because it is better absorbed from the gut and has greater diuretic potency per milligram.
A specific diuretic and antihypertensive medication belonging to the thiazide class.
Chlorothiazide is usually formal / medical / technical in register.
Chlorothiazide: in British English it is pronounced /ˌklɔːrəʊˈθaɪəzaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌklɔːroʊˈθaɪəzaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no idioms containing 'chlorothiazide'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHLO' (like chlorine, a halogen) + 'RO' + 'THIAZIDE' (the drug class). 'Chloro-' hints at its chemical structure containing chlorine, and '-thiazide' is the core diuretic class.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A. It is a technical term with a literal referent.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary therapeutic use of chlorothiazide?