For which condition are thiazide diuretics primarily prescribed?

Thiazide diuretics are primarily prescribed for hypertension, which is elevated blood pressure. These medications work by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidneys, leading to increased urine output and reduced blood volume. This reduction in blood volume helps to lower blood pressure, making thiazide diuretics effective in managing hypertension.

In addition to treating high blood pressure, thiazide diuretics can also provide some benefit in heart failure by reducing fluid overload, but their primary indication is for hypertension. Conditions such as diabetes mellitus and acid reflux are not directly treated with thiazide diuretics; they have no primary action that addresses blood sugar control or acid secretion, respectively.