children s health issues
Drug Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children
Thiazide diuretics
A thiazide diuretic (such aschlorthalidone) may be the first drug given to treat high blood pressure. Diuretics can cause blood vessels to widen (dilate). Diuretics also help the kidneys eliminate sodium and water, decreasing fluid volume throughout the body and thus lowering blood pressure. Thiazide diuretics cause potassium to be excreted in the urine, so potassium supplements sometimes must be taken with a thiazide diuretic. 