Chapter :3

DIURETICS

Presented by: Prof.Mirza Anwar Baig

Anjuman-I-Islam's Kalsekar Technical Campus

School of Pharmacy,New Pavel,Navi
Mumbai,Maharashtra

1
 OUTLINE...
1.Overview
2.Site of actions of diuretics
3.Pharmacology of each class
4.Quiz
 1.Overview....
Diuretics are drugs that increase the volume of urine excreted.

Most diuretic agents are inhibitors of renal ion transporters that

decrease the reabsorption of Na+ at different sites in the nephron.

Diuretic effect of the different classes of diuretics varies

considerably, varying from less than 2% for the weak potassium-
sparing diuretics to over 20% for the potent loop diuretics.

In addition to the ion transport inhibitors, other types of

diuretics include osmotic diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, and
carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Therapeutic uses:
Used for management of abnormal fluid retention (edema) or
treatment of hypertension.
2.SITE OF ACTIONS OF DIURETICS
 3.Pharmacology of different classes of
diuretics
CLASS IFICATION
1. High efficacy (Loop) diuretics (Inhibitors of Na+ -K+-2Cl cotransport)
Sulphamoyl derivatives
Furosemide, Bumetanide, Torasemide
2. Medium efficacy (Thiazide) diuretics {Inhibitors of Na+­Cl- symport)
(a) Benzothiadiazines (thiazides)
Hydrochlorothiazide, Benzthiazide,Hydroflumethiazide,
Clopamide
(b) Thiazide like (related heterocyclics)
Chlorthalidone, Metolazone, Xipamide,Indapamide.
3. Weak or adjunctive diuretics
(a) Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Acetazolamide
(b) Potassium sparing diuretics
(i) Aldosterone antagonist: Spironolactone
(ii) Inhibitors of renal epithelial Na+ channel:
Triamterene, Amiloride.
(c) Osmotic diuretics
Mannitol, Isosorbide, Glycerol
 III.THIAZIDES AND RELATED AGENTS
Most widely used diuretics, sulfonamide derivatives, affect the
distal convoluted tubule, and all have equal maximum diuretic
effects, differing only in potency.
Thiazides are sometimes called “ low ceiling diuretics, ” because
increasing the dose above normal therapeutic doses does not
promote further diuretic response.
A. Thiazides:
Chlorothiazide was the first orally active diuretic that was capable
of affecting the severe edema often seen in hepatic cirrhosis and
heart failure with minimal side effects.
It is a representative of the thiazide group, although
hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone are now used more
commonly.
Hydrochlorothiazide is more potent,true thiazide.
Other diuretics having sulfonamide residue reffered as thiazide like
diuretics having mechanism of action similer to thiazide diuretics
examples are Chlorthalidone, indapamide, and metolazone
 1.Mechanism of action:
• Act mainly in the cortical region of the ascending loop of Henle
and the DCT to decrease the reabsorption of Na+,by inhibition of
a Na+ /Cl− cotransporter on the luminal membrane of the
tubules.

• They have a lesser effect in the proximal tubule. As a result,

these drugs increase the concentration of Na + and Cl − in the
tubular fluid.

• The site of action of the thiazide derivatives is on the luminal

membrane, these drugs must be excreted into the tubular lumen
to be effective.

• With decreased renal function, thiazide diuretics lose efficacy.

• Concomitant use of NSAIDs, such as indomethacin, which

inhibit production of renal prostaglandins, thereby reducing
renal blood flow.
 Pharmacological actions:
a.Increased excretion of Na+ and Cl− :
Result in the excretion of very hyperosmolar (concentrated) urine
(Unique effect).
The diuretic action is not affected by the acid–base status of the
body,and hydrochlorothiazide does not change the acid–base status
of the blood.
b. Loss of K+ : K+ is also excreted along with Na+,resulting in a
continual loss of K + from the body with prolonged use of these drugs.
Thus, serum K + should be measured peri-odically (more frequently at
the beginning of therapy) to monitor for the development of
hypokalemia.
c.Loss of Mg2+ : Magnesium deficiency requiring supplementa-
tion can occur with chronic use of thiazide diuretics, particularly
in elderly patients. The mechanism for the magnesuria is not
understood.
d.Decreased urinary calcium excretion:
By promoting the reabsorption of Ca2+ in the distal convoluted
tubule where parathyroid hormone regulates reabsorption.
This effect contrasts with the loop diuretics, which increase the Ca2+
concentration in the urine.

e. Reduced peripheral vascular resistance: An initial reduction

in blood pressure results from a decrease in blood volume and,
therefore, a decrease in cardiac output.
Latter on the antihypertensive effect is due to peripheral vascular
vasodilation
 3.Therapeutic uses:
a. Hypertension: (mild to moderate essential hypertension)
Because they are inexpensive, convenient to administer, and well
tolerated.
Some patients can be continued for years on thiazides alone;
Many patients require additional medication
b. Heart failure:
Loop diuretics (not thiazides) are the diuretics of choice in heart failure.
However, thiazide diuretics may be added if additional diuresis is needed.
When given in combination, thiazides should be administered 30
minutes prior to loop diuretics in order to allow the thiazide time to
reach the site of action and produce effect.
c. Hypercalciuria: The thiazides can be useful in treating idiopathic
hypercalciuria,particularly for patients with calcium oxalate stones in the
urinary tract.
d. Diabetes insipidus:
Thiazides have produce a hyperosmolar urine. Thiazides can substitute for
ADH in the treatment of DI. The urine may drop from 11 L/d to about 3 L/d
when treated with the drug.
 Adverse effects:
a. Potassium depletion:
Most frequent problem and it can predispose patients who are taking
digoxin to ventricular arrhythmias.
Often, K+ can be supplemented by dietary measures such as increasing
the consumption of citrus fruits, bananas, and prunes.
Thiazides are combine with Aldosterone:
Thiazides decrease the intravascular volume -----activation of the
renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system----increased aldosterone
-------urinary K + losses. to overcome this effect -----spironolactone,
or by triamterene or amiloride, which act to retain K + .
b. Hyponatremia:
c. Hyperuricemia: Thiazides should be used with caution in patients
with gout or high levels of uric acid.
d. Volume depletion: orthostatic hypotension or light-headedness.
e. Hypercalcemia: Patients with diabetes who are taking thiazides
should monitor glucose to assess the need for an adjustment in diabe-
tes therapy.
 B.Thiazide-like diuretics
1. Chlorthalidone:
nonthiazide derivative, has a long duration of action and,
therefore, used once daily to treat hypertension.
2. Metolazone:
Metolazone is more potent than the thiazides and, unlike the
thiazides, causes Na + excretion even in advanced renal failure.
3. Indapamide:
A lipid-soluble,nonthiazide diuretic that has a long duration of
action. At low doses, it shows significant antihypertensive action
with minimal diuretic effects.
Indapamide is metabolized and excreted by the gastrointestinal
tract and the kidneys. Thus, it is less likely to accumulate in
patients with renal failure and may be useful in their treatment.
 LOOP OR HIGH-CEILING DIURETICS
Major diuretic action on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle
Furosemide is the most commonly used of these drugs.
Bumetanide and torsemide are much more potent than furosemide.
Ethacrynic acid is used infrequently due to its adverse effect profile.

A. Bumetanide, furosemide, torsemide, and ethacrynic acid:

1. Mechanism of action:
inhibit the cotransport of Na+/K+/2Cl− in the ascending limb of
loop of Henle.
2. Actions:
Unlike thiazides, loop diuretics increase the Ca 2+ content of urine.
but Ca 2+ is reabsorbed in the distal convoluted tubule.
The loop diuretics may increase renal blood flow, possibly by
enhancing prostaglandin synthesis.(Combination with NSAIDs
avoided)
3. Therapeutic uses:
i. Drugs of choice for reducing acute pulmonary edema
ii. Acute/chronic peripheral edema.
iii. Hypercalcemia: (they stimulate tubular Ca 2+ excretion.
iv. Hyperkalemia.
ADVERSE EFFECTS:
a. Ototoxicity: Particularly when used in conjunction with other
ototoxic drugs (for example, aminoglycoside antibiotics).
Ethacrynic acid is the most likely to cause deafness.
b. Hyperuricemia: Furosemide and ethacrynic acid compete with uric
acid for the renal secretory systems.
c. Acute hypovolemia:
d. Potassium depletion: HOW ?
The loss of K+ from cells in exchange for H+ leads to hypokalemic
alkalosis.
Use of potassium-sparing diuretics or supplementation with K+
can prevent the development of hypokalemia.
e. Hypomagnesemia: This can be corrected by oral supplementation.
 V. POTASSIUM-SPARING DIURETICS
Potassium-sparing diuretics act in the collecting tubule to inhibit
Na + reabsorption and K + excretion.
Monitored potassium level closely and avoid in patients with renal
dysfunction.
Two distinct mechanisms of action:
a. aldosterone antagonists and
b. sodium channel blockers
Majoraly used in hypertension (most often in combination with a
thiazide) and in heart failure (aldosterone antagonists).
A. Aldosterone antagonists: spironolactone and eplerenone
1.Mechanism of action:
Spironolactone is a synthetic steroid that antagonizes aldosterone
act on receptor.
It prevents translocation of the receptor complex into the nucleus
of the target cell.
Resulting in a failure to produce mediator proteins that normally
stimulate the Na + /K + exchange sites of the collecting tubule.
2.Actions:
In most edematous states, blood levels of aldosterone are high,
causing retention of Na + . Spironolactone antagonizes the
activity of aldosterone, resulting in retention of K + and
excretion of Na+.
Similar to thiazides and loop diuretics,the effect of these agents
may be diminished by administration of NSAIDs.
3. Therapeutic uses:
a. Diuretic: Spironolactone is the diuretic of choice in patients with
hepatic cirrhosis, as edema in these patients is caused by
secondary hyperaldosteronism.
b. Secondary hyperaldosteronism: Hepatic cirrhosis, nephrotic
syndrome, in Addison disease (primary adrenal insufficiency).
c. Heart failure: Aldosterone antagonists prevent remodeling
that occurs as compensation for the progressive failure of the
heart.
d. Resistant hypertension:
e. Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites)
4. Adverse effects:
Gastric upset.
Gynecomastia in male patients and menstrual irregularities in
female patients (resembles some of the sex steroids).
Hyperkalemia.
At low doses, spironolactone can be used chronically with few
side effects.
Potassium-sparing diuretics should be used with caution with
other medications that can induce hyperkalemia, such as
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and potassium
supplements.
 B.Triamterene and amiloride
Triamterene and amiloride block Na + transport channels, resulting
in a decrease in Na + /K + exchange.

Although they have a K + -sparing diuretic action similar to that

of the aldosterone antagonists, their ability to block the Na + /K +
-exchange site in the collecting tubule does not depend on the
presence of aldosterone.

Like the aldosterone antagonists, these agents are not very

efficacious diuretics.

Both triamterene and amiloride are commonly used in combination

with other diuretics, usually for their potassium sparing properties.

The side effects of triamterene include increased uric acid, renal

stones, and K + retention.
 Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
1. Mechanism of actions
Process of Osmosis:
 OSMOTIC DIURETICS
Hydrophilic chemical substances that are filtered through the
glomerulus, such as mannitol and urea, result in some degree of
diuresis.
Filtered substances that undergo little or no reabsorption will cause
an increase in urinary output.
The presence of these substances results in a higher osmolarity
of the tubular fluid and prevents further water reabsorption,
resulting in osmotic diuresis.
Because osmotic diuretics are used to increase water excretion
rather than Na+ excretion, they are not useful for treating conditions
in which Na+ retention occurs.
They are used to maintain urine flow following acute toxic ingestion
of substances capable of producing acute renal failure.
Osmotic diuretics are a mainstay of treatment for patients with
increased intracranial pressure or acute renal failure due to shock,
drug toxicities, and trauma.
Maintaining urine flow preserves long-term kidney function and may
save the patient from dialysis.
 QUIZ:
1. Identify the weak diuretic
a. Thiazide diuretics b. K+ sparing
c. Loop diuretics d. CA diuretics
2. Which one of the following is aldosterone antagonist
a. Spirinolactone b. Acetazolamide
c. Furosemide d. Triamterene
3. Name the first orally active diuretics
a. Chlorthiazide b. hydrochlorothiazide
c. Chlorthalidone d. Furosemide
4. Justify the statement (True/false):

i) "Epidemiologic evidence suggests that use of thiazides preserves

bone mineral density at the hip and spine and may reduce the risk
of fractures".
II) Thiazides should be administered 30 minutes prior to loop
diuretics
 Quiz...
6. Which of the following Thiazide diuretics is used in
renal failure
a. Chlorthalidone b. Metolazone
c. Indapamide d. Both (a) and (c)
7. Identify the potant loop diuretic amongst following
a. Furosemide b. Ethacryanic acid
c. Bumetanide d. None of the above