Diuretics

Question 1

Diuretics: prescribed for

Answer 1

Oedema due to heart failure, hypertension

Question 2

Diuretics: Examples

Answer 2

Furosemide (loop diuretic),

bendroflumethiazide (thiazide diuretic). Spironolactone (potassium-sparing diuretic)

Question 3

Diuretics: Mode of actions

Answer 3

Inhibit reabsorption of filtrate from various sections of the nephron (i.e., increased urine output), decreasing blood volume and pressure

Question 4

Diuretics: Contraindications

Answer 4

Metabolic imbalances

(hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia,
hypercalcaemia), Addison’s disease

Question 5

Diuretics: Caution

Answer 5

Exacerbates diabetes, gout and SLE. Elderly are susceptible to side effects!

Question 6

Diuretics: Side effects

Answer 6

Hypokalaemia (can be dangerous), hypotension, GIT disturbance, impotence. Milk-alkali syndrome may occur when thiazides are combined with large quantities of calcium carbonate!

Question 7

Diuretic: Alternative

Answer 7

Taraxacum officinalis — (dandelion) Acts as a diuretic but also supplies potassium (the leaf), unlike most pharmaceutical diuretics