Pharmacology · single question
A patient takes hydrochlorothiazide and metformin. What conditions is this patient being treated for?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus
- A. Incorrect. Asthma uses inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids; osteoporosis uses bisphosphonates.
- B. Incorrect. Heart failure typically uses loop diuretics, ACE inhibitors and beta blockers; hypothyroidism uses levothyroxine.
- C. Correct. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic used for hypertension; metformin is a biguanide and first-line agent for type 2 diabetes. Dental relevance: xerostomia and orthostatic hypotension from the diuretic; hypoglycemia risk with the diabetes.
- D. Incorrect. Hyperlipidemia uses statins; gout uses allopurinol or colchicine. Note that thiazides can actually PRECIPITATE gout by reducing uric acid excretion.