DIURETICS

Explain briefly on the drug classification and group

Definition:
A diuretic is any drug that elevates the rate of urination and thus provides a means of
forced diuresis. There are several categories of diuretics. All diuretics increase the
excretion of water from bodies, although each class does so in a distinct way

All diuretic drugs -- which are usually called, more simply, diuretics -- cause a person
to "lose water" but they do so by diverse means, including:

• Inhibiting the kidney's ability to reabsorb sodium, thus enhancing the loss of
sodium in the urine. And when sodium is lost in the urine, water goes with it.
(This type of diuretic is called a high-ceiling diuretic or a loop diuretic).

• Enhancing the excretion of both sodium and chloride in the urine so that water
is excreted with them. This is how the thiazide diuretics work.

• Blocking the exchange of sodium for potassium, resulting in excretion of

sodium and potassium but relatively little loss of potassium. These diuretics
are therefore termed potassium sparing diuretics.

Some diuretics work by still other mechanisms. And some diuretics have other effects
and uses such as in treating hypertension.

Explain the indication of the drug

Explain the action of the drug

Explain the side effect of the drug

Explain and describe the nursing responsibility while administer the drug)

Provide example for each type of the drugs