Sign In

Diuretics are antihypertensive drugs used to treat hypertension resulting from sodium and water retention. Sodium, vital for fluid balance and nerve or muscle function, is regulated by the kidneys through millions of nephrons. Blood enters nephrons via afferent arterioles, which branch into capillaries called glomeruli. These filter blood plasma, allowing water and solutes, like sodium ions, to pass through capillary walls into Bowman's capsule. The filtrate then flows through various tubules and the collecting duct. Solutes and water are selectively reabsorbed or secreted throughout this journey using passive and active transport mechanisms. This maintains optimal sodium levels. However, excessive sodium intake or impaired renal excretion can raise sodium concentration in the bloodstream, triggering osmosis and water retention, thereby increasing blood volume and pressure on vessel walls. Diuretics control this pressure by inhibiting ion transporters, promoting sodium and water excretion through increased urine output. This reduces arterial wall pressure and blood pressure. Diuretics effectively decrease blood pressure by 10-15 mmHg in most patients, serving as a standalone treatment for mild to moderate hypertension. However, they may cause side effects like hyperuricemia, characterized by elevated uric acid levels, leading to gout attacks with pain, swelling, and redness.

Tags
Antihypertensive DrugsDiureticsHypertensionSodium RetentionRenal FunctionNephronsBlood Plasma FiltrationBowman s CapsuleSolute ReabsorptionActive TransportPassive TransportBlood VolumeOsmosisIon TransportersUrine OutputArterial PressureHyperuricemiaGout Attacks

From Chapter 9:

article

Now Playing

9.3 : Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Diuretics

Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensive Drugs

197 Views

article

9.1 : Cardiovascular Drugs: Classification based on Therapeutic Indications

Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensive Drugs

977 Views

article

9.2 : Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensive Drugs

1.2K Views

article

9.4 : Antihypertensive Drugs: Thiazide-Class Diuretics

Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensive Drugs

216 Views

article

9.5 : Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensive Drugs

212 Views

article

9.6 : Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers

Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensive Drugs

100 Views

article

9.7 : Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers

Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensive Drugs

149 Views

article

9.8 : Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Calcium Channel Blockers

Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensive Drugs

108 Views

article

9.9 : Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensive Drugs

117 Views

article

9.10 : Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensive Drugs

270 Views

article

9.11 : Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors

Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensive Drugs

138 Views

article

9.12 : Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators

Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensive Drugs

148 Views

JoVE Logo

Privacy

Terms of Use

Policies

Research

Education

ABOUT JoVE

Copyright © 2025 MyJoVE Corporation. All rights reserved