Diuretics- Introduction
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Diuretics are agents that increase the salt and water excretion by an action on the kidneys.
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Diuretics effective for the treatment of edema have been available since the 16th century and mercurous chloride was known by Paracelsus to be diuretic.
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In 1930, Swartz discovered that the antimicrobial sulfanilamide could be used to treat edema in patients with congestive heart failure due to an increase in renal excretion of Na+.
- Most modern diuretics were developed when side effects of antibacterial drugs were noted, which included changes in urine composition and output.
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Except for spironolactone, diuretics were developed empirically, without knowledge of specific transport pathways in the nephron.
- They are used mainly in cases of cardiac failure, oedema and hypertension.
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Last modified: Wednesday, 25 April 2012, 12:08 PM