Diuretics, often known as “water pills” are drugs that cause the kidneys to absorb excess fluid (water and salt) from the tissues of our body and convert it into urine. They are generally prescribed to treat swelling and bloating or water retention as well as high blood pressure. These drugs are sometimes prescribed to old people, who are likely to suffer from heart failure due to their age. People with nephritic syndrome, liver damage and Meniere’s disease can also get relief by consuming these drugs. Other than these, doctors often prescribe diuretics to the people suffering from edema and different heart ailments.

Action of Diuretics

Diuretic drugs work by increasing the urine output by the kidney. It disrupts the normal action of the kidneys by altering the sodium content. Once the kidney disposes of the waste products, the water and minerals are returned back to the blood stream. Diuretics reduces the amount of sodium and water that is reabsorbed into the bloodstream and helps expel the excess water from urine, thus the tissues become less water logged and the heart improves blood circulation by supplying smaller volume of blood into the body. The swellings reduce and you feel less bloated. Blood pressure will reduce this result in less strain on the lungs as the diuretic drug removes the excess water and the heart can function properly.

Groups of diuretics

Mild diuretics are available over-the-counter for treating premenstrual syndrome symptoms and in some minor cases of fluid retention. Herbal tablets are also available that are quite effective.

Some useful diuretic drugs are described below
 THIAZIDES: Drugs such as hydrochlorothiazide work by inhibiting the re-absorption of sodium, potassium and water. These drugs are normally administered with a potassium supplement or potassium- sparing diuretic as it can lead to a shortage of potassium which may be hazardous to health.
 LOOP DIURETICS: These are very powerful diuretics, which block the filtering of sodium, potassium and water. They are used in emergencies as they can relieve fluid rapidly. It is especially useful to people with impaired kidneys, which do not react to Thiazides. It is useful to people suffering from heart ailments also as it can relieve fluid from the lungs quickly.
 POTASSIUM-SPARING DIURETICS: These are diuretics, which do not promote the secretion of potassium into the urine and thus maintains the potassium balance in the body. They are considered as mild diuretics as “potassium-sparing” refers to an effect rather than a mechanism.
 OSMOTIC DIURETICS: these drugs are sparingly used. They work by blocking the re absorption of sodium and water and are generally prescribed to patients after a surgery or injury to lower pressure within fluid filled cavities.
 ACETAZOLAMIDE: Acetazolamide is a very mild diuretic that is widely prescribed for treating epileptic seizures, altitude sickness, glaucoma, intracranial hypertension, and dural ectasia. This diuretic drug is generally available in the market under the trade name of Diamox.
 CARBONIC ANHYDRASE INHIBITORS: these drugs are effective for a very short period of time because they generally work by blocking the effect of carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme that affects the level of bicarbonate in the blood.