Diuretics

Question 1

Name two conditions treated with diuretics.

Answer 1

Hypertension and heart failure (also edema)

Question 2

Name the front line class of diuretics.

Answer 2

Thiazides

Question 3

Name the two main thiazide diuretics.

Answer 3

1. Hydrochlorothiazide
2. Metolazone

Question 4

Where do hydrochlorothiazide and metolazone act?

Answer 4

Kidney

Early distal convoluted tubule

Question 5

How do hydrochlorothiazide and metolazone act?

Answer 5

They inhibit the Na/Cl transporter (normally functions to reabsorb Na) -> Inhibits water and Na reabsorption

Deplets body of sodium -> Decreases blood volume

Question 6

What are the adverse effects of the thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide and metolazone)

Answer 6

Hypokalemia

Question 7

One of the major adverse effects of thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide and metolazone) is HYPOkalemia (decreased K). What can be prescribed to combat this?

Answer 7

A potassium sparing diuretic agent.

Question 8

Name the potassium sparing diuretic agent.

Answer 8

Spironolactone.

(speer on oh LAK tone)

Question 9

What is the mechanism of action for the potassium sparing diuretics (spironolactone)?

Answer 9

It is an aldosterone antagonist

Question 10

The mechanism of action for the potassium sparing diuretics is that it blocks aldosterone. What is the normal physiological response to aldosterone and what is the effect of blocking it?

Answer 10

Aldosterone functions to conserve Na and secrete K

Blocking aldosterone leads to sodium loss and K retention

Question 11

T/F: Spironolactone (potassium sparing diuretic) is used in adjunct with a thiazide to reduce the loss of potassium.

Answer 11

True. Spironolactone is usualy given in adjunct.

Question 12

Are the loop diuretics used to treat hypertension?

Answer 12

Yes. Acute hypertension. Although they are used to treat heart failure (decrease edema).