Diuretic
A diuretic is a substance that removes water from the body by promoting urine formation and the loss of salt (sodium).
Caffeine and alcohol are common diuretics.
Diuretic medicines include furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone, and spironolactone. These medicines may be used as part of treatment for conditions that cause swelling from water retention (edema), such as heart failure, hypertension, or liver or kidney disease.
| Author | Robin Parks, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition |
| Last Updated | April 10, 2009 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
April 10, 2009
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