First-line diuretics versus other classes of antihypertensive drugs for hypertension

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: Primary objective To compare in head‐to‐head trials the effect of first‐line diuretic drugs versus other classes of antihypertensive drugs on morbidity, mortality and drop‐outs due to adverse drug effects in patients with hypertension. Secondary objectives To compare the percentage of patients requiring dose titration, addition of a second or third drug, and switching to other therapy in the same trials. To compare the blood pressure lowering efficacy in the two groups in the same trials.