[Hydrochlorothiazide and skin cancer]

Hydrochlorothiazide and skin cancer Hydrochlorothiazide is a frequently prescribed diuretic with known photosensitizing properties. Recently, a large case-control study in a Danish population found an association between the use of hydrochlorothiazide and an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer. These data suggest that it may be wise to limit the use of hydrochlorothiazide for the treatment of hypertension. We reviewed the current literature to examine whether a causal relationship between hydrochlorothiazide and non-melanoma skin cancer exists. We consider that the evidence for a causal relationship is limited and contradicting. Moreover, we found that other antihypertensive agents such as calcium blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers are also associated with basal cell carcinoma. Based on the current literature, there seems to be insufficient evidence to advice against the use of hydrochlorothiazide.