Renal Pharmacology

Abstract

The term diuretic describes a drug that increases urinary solute and water excretion thus affecting the extracellular volume status of the individual. In addition, they alter the excretion of other cations such as K⁺, H⁺, Ca⁺⁺, and Mg⁺⁺ and anions such as Cl⁻, HCO₃ ⁻, and H₂PO₄ ⁻, and uric acid. Thus, they have a significant effect on the body’s electrolyte balance. Their diuretic effect largely depends on the volume of the extracellular fluid. Chronic diuretic administration to a patient with a fixed sodium intake produces «diuretic braking,» also known as post diuretic sodium retention, which describes avid sodium retention occurring in response to rapid diuresis. Diuretics can be detrimental in patients receiving high doses. when you fail to initiate an adequate response to a diuretic, you would need addition or substitution from a different class of diuretic in order to obtain a response.