diuretic

(noun)

A substance that increases urine volume and increases plasma osmolarity, often by inhibiting ADH secretion to prevent water reabsorption in the nephron.

Related Terms

  • capsule
  • diuresis
  • antidiuretic hormone
  • glomerulus

(noun)

A drug that increases the rate of urine excretion.

Related Terms

  • capsule
  • diuresis
  • antidiuretic hormone
  • glomerulus

Examples of diuretic in the following topics:

  • Diuretics

    • There are three types of diuretics: thiazide, loop and potassium-sparing.
    • There are several categories of diuretics.
    • The antihypertensive actions of some diuretics (thiazides and loop diuretics in particular) are independent of their diuretic effect.
    • Loop diuretics have this ability, and are therefore often synonymous with high ceiling diuretics.
    • Herbal medications are not inherently diuretics.
  • Regulation of Urine Concentration and Volume

    • There are a few complex systems involved in regulating blood volume and urine production, such as the intricate renin–angiotensin system, and the simpler anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) feedback system.
    • A diuretic is any substance that has the opposite effect of ADH— they increase urine volume, decrease urine osmolarity, lead to an increased plasma osmolarity, and often reduced blood volume.
    • Many substances can act as diuretics, albeit with different mechanisms.
    • Alternatively caffeine is a diuretic because it interferes with sodium reabsorption (reducing the amount of water reabsorbed by sodium cotransport) and increases the glomerular filtration rate by temporarily increasing blood pressure.
    • Many medications are diuretics because they inhibit the ATPase pumps, thus slowing water reabsorption further.
  • Overview of the Pituitary Gland

    • The posterior pituitary does not produce any hormones of its own, rather, it stores and secretes two hormones made in the hypothalamus—oxytocin and anti-diuretic hormone.
  • Alkalosis

    • It can also be caused by administration of diuretics and endocrine disorders such as Cushing's syndrome.
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease

    • Treatment may include: blood pressure medicines, diuretics, and a low-salt diet
  • Regulation of Water Output

    • The hormones ADH (anti-diuretic hormone, also known as vasopressin) and aldosterone, a hormone created by the renin-angiotensin system play a major role in this.
  • Water Content in the Body

    • Much of this regulation is mediated by hormones, including anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), renin, angiotensin II, aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).
  • Overview of Urine Formation

    • This illustration demonstrates the normal kidney physiology, showing where some types of diuretics act, and what they do.
  • Female Athlete Triad: Disordered Eating, Amenorrhea, and Premature Osteoporosis

    • Some examples of disordered eating habits are fasting; binge-eating; purging; and the use of diet-pills, laxatives, diuretics, and enemas.
  • Congenital Heart Defects

    • Medications include diuretics, which aid the body in eliminating water, salts, and digoxin for strengthening the contraction of the heart.
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