Diuretics, Urinary & Bladder Agents: Drug Purpose & Actions

Question 1

hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)

Answer 1

Actions:
-block the chloride pump in ascending and distal tubule
-keeps chloride and the sodium in the tubule to be excreted, preventing reabsorption
Indications:
-treatment of edema associated with CHF, liver, or renal disease
-monotherapy or adjunt for the treatment of HTN

Question 2

furosemide (Lasix)

Answer 2

Actions:
-block the chloride pump in the ascending, descending loop of Henle and the DCT
-causes loss of sodium and chloride, an huge fluid loss
Indications:
-acute CHF
-acute pulmonary edema
-edema associated with CHF
-edema associated with renal or liver disease
-hypertension

Question 3

acetazolamide (Diamox)

Answer 3

Actions:
-block the effects of carbonic anhydrase; slow down the movement of hydrogen ions
-more sodium and bicarbonate are lost in the urine
Indications:
-adjuncts to other diuretics
-glaucoma

Question 4

spironolactone (Aldactone)

Answer 4

Actions:
-cause a loss of sodium while retaining potassium
-block the actions of aldosterone in the distal tubule
Indications:
-adjuncts with thiazide or loop diuretics
-patients who are at risk for hypokalemia
-can also be used to treat hyperaldosterone

Question 5

mannitol (sugar)

Answer 5

Actions:
-pull water into the renal tubule without sodium loss
Indications:
-increased cranial pressure or acute renal failure due to shock, drug overdose, or trauma

Question 6

ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Answer 6

Actions:
-act specifically within the urinary tract to destroy bacteria
-they act either through direct antibiotic effect or through acidification of the urine
Indications:
-infection

Question 7

nitrofurantoin (Furadantin)

Answer 7

Actions:
-act specifically within the urinary tract to destroy bacteria
-they act either through direct antibiotic effect or through acidification of the urine
Indications:
-infection

Question 8

oxybutanin (Ditropan)

Answer 8

Actions:
-block the spasms of urinary tract muscles
-blocking parasympathetic activity
-relaxing the detrusor and other urinary tract muscles
Indications:
-bladder spasm and dysuria

Question 9

phenazopyridine (Azo standard)

Answer 9

Actions:
-when phenazopyridine is excreted in the urine, it exerts a direct topical analgesic effect on the urinary mucosa
Indications:
-relieves symptoms related to urinary tract irritation from infection, trauma, or surgeries

Question 10

pentosan polysulfate (Elmiron)

Answer 10

Actions:

• heparin like compound that has anticoagulant and fibrinolytic effects
• adheres to the bladder wall mucosal membranes and acts as a buffer to control cell permeability, preventing irritating solutes in the urine from reaching the bladder wall cells

Question 11

doxazosin (Cardura)

Answer 11

Actions:
-block alpha1 adrenergic receptors
-blocks sympathetic nervous system
Indications:
-treatment of BPH

Question 12

tamsulosin (Flomax)

Answer 12

Actions:
-block alpha1 adrenergic receptors
-blocks sympathetic nervous system
Indications:
-treatment of BPH

Question 13

finasteride (Propecia)

Answer 13

Actions:
-inhibit the intracellular enzyme (5a-reductase) that converts testosterone to DHT which develops and maintains the prostate gland
Indications:
-treatment of BPH