Which statement about hydrochlorothiazide is NOT true?

Correct answer: C. It decreases urine output

• A. ❌ True. Increased distal sodium delivery drives potassium loss; hypokalemia is the most common adverse effect.
• B. ❌ True. Thiazides reduce uric acid excretion and can precipitate gout.
• C. ✅ CORRECT — This is the FALSE statement. Hydrochlorothiazide is a DIURETIC — it blocks the Na⁺/Cl⁻ cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule and INCREASES urine output. Patients should be warned about increased urinary frequency, and long appointments planned around it.
• D. ❌ True — and clinically useful. Thiazides REDUCE calcium excretion, which is why they are used in calcium-stone formers and are protective against osteoporotic fracture.

Note: Thiazide metabolic profile — 'hyper GLUC': hyperGlycemia, hyperLipidemia, hyperUricemia, hyperCalcemia. Plus hypokalemia, hyponatremia, orthostatic hypotension (rise slowly from the chair).