Diuretic Health Dictionary

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Diuretic: From 4 Different Sources

Promoting the flow of urine
Health Source: Herbal Medical
Author: Health Dictionary
A substance that increases the flow of urine, either by increasing permeability of the kidneys’ nephrons, increasing blood supply into the nephrons, or increasing the blood into each kidney by renal artery vasodilation.
Health Source: Medicinal Plants Glossary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. a drug that increases the volume of urine produced by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney. The main classes of diuretics act by inhibiting the reabsorption of salts and water from the kidney tubules into the bloodstream. Thiazide diuretics (e.g. *bendroflumethiazide, *chlortalidone) act at the distal convoluted tubules (see nephron), preventing the reabsorption of sodium and potassium. Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. *amiloride, *spironolactone, *triamterene) prevent excessive loss of potassium at the distal convoluted tubules, and loop diuretics (e.g. *furosemide) prevent reabsorption of sodium and potassium in *Henle’s loop. Diuretics are used to reduce the oedema due to salt and water retention in disorders of the heart, kidneys, liver, or lungs. Thiazides and potassium-sparing diuretics are also used – in conjunction with other drugs – in the treatment of high blood pressure. Treatment with thiazide and loop diuretics often results in potassium deficiency; this is corrected by simultaneous administration of potassium salts or a potassium-sparing diuretic.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Diuretics

Substances which increase urine and solute production by the KIDNEYS. They are used in the treatment of heart failure, HYPERTENSION, and sometimes for ASCITES secondary to liver failure. They may work by extra-renal or renal mechanisms.

The potential side-effects of diuretics are HYPOKALAEMIA, DEHYDRATION, and GOUT (in susceptible individuals).

Extra-renal mechanisms (a) Inhibiting release of antidiuretic hormone (e.g. water, alcohol); (b) increased renal blood ?ow (e.g. dopamine in renal doses).

Renal mechanisms (a) Osmotic diuretics act by ‘holding’ water in the renal tubules and preventing its reabsorption (e.g. mannitol); (b) loop diuretics prevent sodium, and therefore water, reabsorption (e.g. FRUSEMIDE); (c) drugs acting on the cortical segment of the Loop of Henle prevent sodium reabsorption, but are ‘weaker’ than loop diuretics (e.g. THIAZIDES); (d) drugs acting on the distal tubule prevent sodium reabsorption by retaining potassium

(e.g. spironalactone).... diuretics

Loop Diuretics

Drugs used in pulmonary oedema (excess ?uid in the lungs) caused by failure of the left VENTRICLE of the HEART. DIURETICS cause an increase in excretion of URINE, thus reducing the amount of ?uid in the body. Intravenous administration of loop diuretics relieves patients’ breathlessness. They work by inhibiting resorption of ?uid in the renal tubule loops of the KIDNEYS. Frusemide and bumetanide are commonly used loop diuretic drugs that act quickly and last for six hours so that they can be given twice in 24 hours without disturbing the patient’s sleep.... loop diuretics

Diuretic Drugs

Drugs that help remove excess water from the body by increasing the amount lost as urine. They are used in the treatment of various disorders, which include severe premenstrual syndrome, hypertension, heart failure, the eye condition glaucoma, nephrotic syndrome, and cirrhosis of the liver.

Types of diuretic drug differ markedly in their speed and mode of action. Thiazide diuretics cause a moderate increase in urine production. Loop diuretics are fast-acting, powerful drugs. They are often used as an emergency treatment for heart failure. Potassium-sparing diuretics are used along with thiazide and loop diuretics, both of which may cause the body to lose too much potassium. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors block the action of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which affects the amount of bicarbonate ions in the blood; these drugs increase urine output moderately but are effective only for short periods of time. Osmotic diuretics are used to maintain urine output following serious injury or major surgery.

Diuretic drugs may cause chemical imbalances in the blood.

Hypokalaemia (low blood levels of potassium) is usually treated with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretic drugs.

A diet rich in potassium may be helpful.

Some diuretics raise the blood level of uric acid, increasing the risk of gout.

Certain diuretics increase the blood glucose level, which can cause or worsen diabetes mellitus.... diuretic drugs

Thiazide Diuretic

see diuretic.... thiazide diuretic

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