Regulation of water-salt balance. Diuretics. Antidiuretics.

Abstract

The main purpose of diuretics, or agents that increase urine output, is to eliminate excess fluid from the body. Introduced into medicine in 1958, diuretics are drugs that increase the excretion of solutes and water by directly increasing urine output. The introduction of potent orally administered diuretics has been one of the most significant therapeutic milestones of the last century. Generally, the primary goal of diuretic therapy is to reduce extracellular fluid volume to decrease blood pressure or to rid the body of excess interstitial fluid (antioedematous effect). As with all potent agents, rational and safe use of these drugs is predicated on an understanding of their pharmacologic action and their potential side effects.