Pharmacology of Diuretics (Complete Overview) | Dr. Shikha Parmar

Pharmacology of Diuretics (Complete Overview) by Dr. Shikha Parmar

A diuretic is any substance that promotes diuresis, the increased production of urine. This includes forced diuresis. There are several categories of diuretics. All diuretics increase the excretion of water from bodies, although each class does so in a distinct way. Alternatively, an antidiuretic, such as vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), is an agent or drug which reduces the excretion of water in urine.

Diuretic drugs increase urine output by the kidney (i.e., promote diuresis). This is accomplished by altering how the kidney handles sodium. If the kidney excretes more sodium, then water excretion will also increase. Most diuretics produce diuresis by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium at different segments of the renal tubular system. Sometimes a combination of two diuretics is given because this can be significantly more effective than either compound alone (synergistic effect).

Types and Examples of Diuretics-
Examples of thiazide diuretics include:
Chlorothiazide (Diuril), Chlorthalidone, Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
Indapamide, Metolazone
Examples of loop diuretics include: Bumetanide (Bumex), Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), Furosemide (Lasix), Torsemide (Demadex)
Examples of potassium-sparing diuretics include:
Amiloride, Eplerenone (Inspra), Spironolactone (Aldactone), Triamterene (Dyrenium)

Description Source: Wikipedia