Types of diuretics: Diuretics (water pills) - are medicines that help you move extra fluid and salt out of your body. There are several types of diuretics, which include:
Thiazide diuretics: These diuretics act on the kidneys to reduce the reabsorption of sodium and chloride, leading to increased urine production. Examples: Hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, and metolazone.
Loop diuretics: These diuretics act on the loop of Henle in the kidneys to inhibit the reabsorption of sodium, chloride, and water. Examples: Furosemide, bumetanide, and torsemide.
Potassium-sparing diuretics: These diuretics act on the kidneys to increase urine production without affecting potassium levels. Examples: Spironolactone, eplerenone, and triamterene.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: These diuretics work by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase in the kidneys, resulting in increased excretion of bicarbonate and electrolytes. Examples: Acetazolamide and dorzolamide.
Osmotic diuretics: These diuretics work by increasing the osmolarity of the filtrate in the kidneys, resulting in increased urine production. Examples: Mannitol and urea.
Aquaretics (Tolvaptan)/Vasopressin antagonists: It's a type of diuretic that work by blocking the effects of vasopressin, a hormone that regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys. Tolvaptan specifically targets the vasopressin V2 receptor, which is responsible for controlling the water channels in the kidney tubules. By blocking this receptor, tolvaptan increases urine output and reduces water retention in the body. Examples: Tolvaptan and Conivaptan.
Aldosterone antagonists: A type of diuretic medication that work by blocking the effects of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates the balance of sodium and potassium in the body. By blocking aldosterone, these medications increase the excretion of sodium and water and reduce the excretion of potassium. Examples: Spironolactone and Eplerenone.
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