WHAT ARE DIURETICS?

Diurectics are medicines that help to remove excess water from the body,through the urine.They act on the kidneys,which control the amount of water circulating in the body.

These are three main types of diurectic:-

• Thiazides, which cause moderate increase in water excretion and are suitable for long -term use.
• Loop diurectic,which are fast acting and usually used during emergencies.
• Potassium-sparing diurectics,which are milder and are often prescribed with the other two types of diurectics.

Diurectics may be used as part of treatment for conditions that cause swelling from water retention, such as:-

• edema
• high blood pressure
• heart failure
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• glaucoma