[Value of diuretics in hypertension].

Diuretics still remain a cornerstone in the treatment of hypertension. Adverse effects such as disorders of the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as development of hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia are obviously directly correlated to the administered dosage. Therefore, there is increasing agreement for low-dose drug therapy. In contrast to hydrochlorothiazide treatment, metabolic disorders are less commonly encountered with indapamide therapy. A pronounced diuretic efficacy is linked to the combined use of diuretics which act on different segments of the nephron (for example administration of a loop diuretic together with a thiazide). In chronic renal failure indapamide appears to be superior to hydrochlorothiazide considering preservation of renal function. In contrast to thiazides, indapamide is the therapy of choice in patients with diabetes.