diuretics have what effect on the kidneys? course hero

by Prof. Jena Gleichner III 5 min read

When taken properly, most diuretics will not affect your kidney function. Your kidneys may be affected, however, if you take diuretics and another medication known to cause harmful drug interaction symptoms. Patients have abused diuretics over the years as a means to encourage weight loss or in efforts to get faster results for painful swelling.

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How do diuretics affect the kidneys?

Mar 14, 2018 · Question 9 1 out of 1 points Diuretics have what effect on the kidneys? Answers: Selected Answer: B. Increase water excretion A. Decrease glucose reabsorption B. Increase water excretion C. Increase sodium ion reabsorption D. Increase potassium ion reabsorption Question 10 1 out of 1 points An egg is typically fertilized within the uterus of a female reproductive tract?

How do diuretics work at the Mayo Clinic?

Nov 16, 2020 · Diuretics are drugs that lower the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium ions at different parts of the renal tubular system therefore more sodium and water is passed into the collecting duct which is then excreted in the urine. Diuretics also help to control potassium levels.

What is an example of a diuretic?

Mar 27, 2021 · Amiloride Triamterene Spironolactone Mannitol Acetazolamide Furosemide Torsemide Hydrochlorothiazide Chlorthalidone Indapamide Diuretics exert their effect directly on the kidneys. Most of them lead to electrolyte excretion and consequently to osmotic excretion of water, which increases the 24-hr urine volume.

Why would a doctor prescribe a diuretic?

To some extent, they also increase the volume of urine produced by the kidneys. By blocking the absorptive capacity of cells lining the renal tubules for sodium, intravascular volume and the eventual leaking of fluid from capillaries is reduced and prevented.

What is the effect of diuretics on the body?

Diuretics are a class of drugs which inhibit the reabsorption of water from the tubules and as a result they increase the volume and therefore water loss in the urine. Each class of diuretic acts on a different site to achieve this effect. As a result some cause the excretion of sodium (and usually chlorine) along side the water where as others do not. There are several diseases which cause the accumulation of fluid within the various tissues of the body and it is in these cases where diuretics play a role in managing the condition.

How does loop diuretics work?

Loop diuretics work on the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle by inhibiting the activity of the sodium/potassium/2-chloride symporter. Approximately 20-25% of sodium is reabsorbed via this symporter, so inhibition of it causes an increase in distal tubular sodium delivery, increased water loss, and increased sodium loss. As a result the hypertonicity of the medulla decreases and therefore water uptake from the loop of Henle also decreases. Increased amounts of all three ions are lost as a result.

What happens when sodium travels through the urinary system?

As sodium travels through the urinary system it eventually reaches the distal tubules and encounters the aldosterone-sensitive sodium channel. This pump exchanges sodium ions for hydrogen ions, the loss of which can lead to alkalosis. This same pump also exchanges sodium ions for potassium ions, leading to hypokalemia.

What is potassium sparing diuretic?

Potassium Sparing Diuretics. These diuretics act by blocking the epithelial sodium channel in the collecting duct and therefore reduce sodium and water reabsorption. They do not cause a loss of potassium and thus they get their name as potassium sparing diuretics.

What happens if you compete with aldosterone?

Therefore if you compete with aldosterone for its receptors you reduce the permeability of the cells to sodium and therefore more sodium and water is excreted. As aldosterone causes the excretion of potassium and calcium from the tubules these two molecules are retained with these drugs.

What are the side effects of loop diuretics?

Side effects of loop diuretic therapy include abnormalities of fluid, electrolyte imbalance, metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, and other effects typically related to diuretic efficacy.

Which class of drugs works on the proximal portion of the distal convoluted tubule and inhibit

Thiazides. This class of drugs works on the proximal portion of the distal convoluted tubule and inhibits the sodium chloride co-transporter in the apical membrane. As a result they increase the potassium loss - see picture. They are less effective than loop diuretics but are better tolerated.

What are some examples of diuretics?

Examples of diuretics. There are three types of diuretics: Thiazide. Loop. Potassium sparing. Each type affects a different part of your kidneys. Some pills combine more than one type of diuretic or combine a diuretic with another blood pressure medication.

Can thiazide be used for high blood pressure?

When diuretics are used. Thiazide diuretics are recommended as one of the first drug treatments for high blood pressure. If diuretics aren't enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor might add other blood pressure medications to your treatment plan.

Can thiazide cause low potassium levels?

If you take a thiazide diuretic, your potassium level can drop too low (hypokalemia), which can cause life-threatening problems with your heartbeat. If you're on a potassium-sparing diuretic, you can have too much potassium in your blood. Other possible side effects of diuretics include: Dizziness. Headaches.

How do diuretics work?

Diuretics work by blocking ion channels to help regulate the flow of water. Because of this, some of the most important things for you to know as a patient is the type of diuretic you are taking and whether you will need to monitor your potassium or sodium levels routinely.

What does it mean when a doctor says you have kidney failure?

When your doctor says that you have kidney failure or chronic kidney disease, you may think the situation is much more serious than it actually is, since you know that you require at least one semi-functional kidney to be able to live.

What enzymes help with low blood pressure?

In times of low blood pressure, the kidneys are able to secrete enzymes, like the ACE enzyme, to help increase the blood pressure. When there is damage like atherosclerosis along the blood vessels walls, the kidneys are able to increase the pressure in the vessels to help blood squeeze through the narrow space.

Can a doctor prescribe diuretics for kidney failure?

In most patients who require diuretics as a form of therapy, however, underlying kidney failure can influence how doctors are able to prescribe these medications. Here, we will cover some of the concerns that doctors must take into consideration when dosing out a diuretic in a patient with kidney damage, and what the side effects are ...

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