Which type of drug is primarily utilized to manage fluid retention related to hypertension?

Thiazide diuretics are primarily used to manage fluid retention related to hypertension due to their mechanism of action, which involves promoting the excretion of sodium and water from the body. By inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, they help reduce blood volume, thereby lowering blood pressure. This makes them particularly effective for hypertensive patients who are also experiencing fluid retention, as decreasing the amount of fluid in the bloodstream helps alleviate the added pressure on blood vessels.

Other types of drugs listed have different primary functions. While calcium channel blockers are effective for decreasing blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing heart workload, they do not specifically target fluid retention. ACE inhibitors work by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which helps to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure but isn't focused on fluid retention. Vasodilators primarily relax blood vessel walls to decrease blood pressure, but they also do not specifically address fluid retention issues. Thus, thiazide diuretics stand out as the most appropriate choice for this question.