Definition of Diuretics
Diuretics (natriuretics) are drugs which cause a net loss of Na+ and water in urine. However, Na+ balance is soon restored, even with continuing diuretic action, by compensatory homeostatic mechanisms of the body, albeit with a certain degree of persisting Na+ deficit and reduction in extracellular fluid volume.
Classification
High efficacy diuretics(inhibitors of Na+ – K+ – 2Cl- cotransport)
Sulphamoyl derivatives
- Furosemide
- Bumetanide
- Torasemide
Medium efficacy diuretics(Inhibitors of Na+ , Cl- symport)
Benzothiadiazines(thiazides)
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Benzthiazide
- Hydroflumethiazide
Thiazide like
- Clopamide
- Xipamide
- Indapamide
- Metolazone
- Chlorthalidone
Weak or adjunctive diuretics
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
- Acetazolamide
Potassium sparing diuretics
Aldosterone antagonist:
- Spironolactone
- Eplerenone
Inhibitors of renal epithelial Na+ channel:
- Amiloride
- Triamterene
Osmotic diuretics
- Mannitol
- Glycerol
- Isosorbide