Diuretic << `dy` yu REHT ihk >> is a drug or substance that increases the amount of urine discharged by the kidneys. Most diuretics especially increase the amount of sodium and chloride discharged in the urine. Natural substances such as water, coffee, tea, beer, and sugar solutions have a diuretic effect on the kidneys.
Some drugs are used as diuretics to lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. Such drugs reduce the volume of blood in the body. Diuretics may also be used to treat congestive heart failure and other diseases that are accompanied by a condition called edema. Edema occurs when the body retains too much fluid and often visibly swells as a result. Diuretics may cause a loss of potassium and other important substances in the body. If such losses are not made up, they may cause seizures or heart or blood problems.
See also Edema.
