Xanthines and mercurials
Xanthines
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These drugs stimulate cardiac functions. Their diuretic activity may stem from the resultant increase in renal blood flow and thereby an increase in glomerular filtration rate.
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They also exert a direct action on the renal tubule. Renal response is manifested by an increase in levels of sodium and chloride in urine.
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There is no significant change in the urine pH and potassium excretion appears to be relatively unaffected.
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Examples are: Caffeine, Theophylline
Mercurials
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Diuretic action of mercurials is associated with sulphydryl groups and so they inactivate the sodium transport mechanism of the nephron.
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For clinical use, mercurials are obsolete
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Last modified: Wednesday, 25 April 2012, 12:16 PM