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Pharmacology · single question

Hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic) has which dental-relevant side effect?

  1. Gingival hyperplasia
  2. Elevated blood pressure
  3. Xerostomia (dry mouth) — reduces salivary flow
  4. Bleeding tendency
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Xerostomia (dry mouth) — reduces salivary flow

  • A. Gingival hyperplasia is associated with calcium channel blockers (amlodipine), phenytoin, and cyclosporine — not thiazide diuretics.
  • B. Thiazides are antihypertensives — they LOWER blood pressure.
  • C. Correct. Thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone) reduce overall fluid secretion, including SALIVARY FLOW, causing XEROSTOMIA. Dry mouth increases caries risk, candidiasis risk, and difficulty with dentures. Clinically important when taking medication histories.
  • D. Bleeding tendency is associated with anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) and antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel) — not thiazide diuretics.

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