Diuretics

Types

High ceiling/loop diuretic

Inhibit Na+/K+/2Cl symporter in ascending limb of loop of Henle, preventing reabsorption and thereby increasing urinary excretion of sodium, chloride, and potassium

• Furosemide
• Ethacrynic acid
• Torsemide
• Bumetanide
• 40mg furosemide = 20 mg torsemide = 1mg bumetanide = 50 mg ethacrynic acid

Thiazides

Act on the distal convoluted tubule and inhibit the sodium-chloride symporter

• Hydrochlorothiazide

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Inhibit the enzyme carbonic anhydrase in the proximal convoluted tubule

• acetazolamide
• methazolamide

Potassium-sparing diuretics

• Aldosterone antagonists
  • Spironolactone
• Epithelial sodium channel blockers:
  • Amiloride
  • Triamterene

Osmotic diuretics

Increase osmolality and work primarily by expanding extracellular fluid and plasma volume, therefore increasing blood flow to the kidneys

• Mannitol
• Glucose (e.g. during hyperglycemia)

See Also

• Antihypertensive medications

Authors

Ross Donaldson