Bendroflumethiazide belongs to a group of medicines called thiazide diuretics. A diuretic is a medicine which increases the amount of urine that you pass out from your kidneys. They are sometimes referred to as 'water tablets'. Diuretics are a common treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension). They are also used to clear fluid from the body in conditions where your body retains too much fluid. This is called oedema.