01

DIURETICS
 WHAT ARE DIURETICS ?

Sometimes called These medications

“water pills” promote the formation
of urine in the kidneys

They’re often used to treat

hypertension, also known as
high blood pressure
 WHAT ARE DIURETICS ?

• Diuretics are a class of medication that

remove water and electrolytes (sodium)
from the body by increasing urination

• Blood vessels to open wider

=> increasing blood flow
=> reducing the pressure of blood against the
vessels
 TYPES OF DIURETICS

1 3
THIAZIDE
POTASSIUM -
2 SPARING

LOOP
1. THIAZIDE

• Loss of Na and water

• Hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis
• Increased Ca2+ reabsorption
 THIAZIDE

Examples of thiazides :

• Chlorthalidone
• Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
• Metolazone
• Indapamide
 2. LOOP

• Loss of Na and water

• Hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis
• Increased Ca2+ loss

Water and electrolyte excretion may be

increased several times over that
observed with thiazide diuretics
 Example of loop

• Torsemide (Demadex)
• Furosemide (Lasix)
• Bumetanide
 3. POTASSIUM-SPARING

Reducing fluid levels in your body without causing

you to lose potassium ( K+), an important nutrient.

• Loss of Na and water

• Hyperkalemia
• Some risk for acidosis

They are not so strong as loop

diuretics and thiazide diuretics
Example of Potassium-sparing

 Amiloride
 Triamterene (Dyrenium)
 Spironolactone (Aldactone)
 Eplerenone (Inspra)
 DIURETIC

Side effects Avoid or eat certain foods

● headaches
● A low-salt diet
● dizziness or lightheadedness
● A potassium supplement or high-potassium
● increased sensitivity to sunlight
foods such as bananas and orange juice
● muscle weakness or cramping