Many people ask: "Diuretic - what is it?" This article will talk about what it is and what it is used for.
Pharmacology of drugs
An osmotic diuretic is a drug that extracts water from swollen tissues. Thus, it increases the amount of urine and removes excess fluid from the body. Due to this, the blood flow in the kidneys improves, which, in turn, increases their functionality. The kidneys begin to work better and filter. It increases the plasma osmolability and moves fluid from organs and tissues (brain, eyeball) into the vascular bed. In this case, together with the liquid, chlorine, sodium and potassium are withdrawn. The last element is displayed in small quantities, which does not lead to significant losses.
Pharmacokinetics of drugs
An osmotic diuretic is metabolized (insignificantly) in the liver. In this case, glycogen formation occurs. Withdrawal from the body occurs after filtration (glomerular) through the kidneys. At the same time tubular reabsorption is insignificant.
Indications for the use of drugs
The action of osmotic diuretics is indispensable during cerebral edema, intracranial and intraocular hypertension , as well as during acute glaucoma attacks.
Medications of this group are used for oliguria in acute renal failure. In this case, an osmotic diuretic is used when an increase in diuresis is required. Such funds can only be used with the ability to filter.
Also, they must be taken for poisoning with lithium preparations, bromides, salicylates and barbiturates.
Osmotic diuretics - drugs that are suitable for use after the introduction of blood, which turned out to be incompatible, during the development of post-transfusion complications.
In most cases, they are used during certain surgical procedures, such as bypass surgery and extracorporeal circulation.
With a shock condition, burns, sepsis and peritonitis, diuretics contribute to an improved removal of toxic substances from the body. They lower blood pressure.
Contraindications for use
Osmotic diuretic is prohibited for use with:
- Chronic renal failure.
- Violations of the filtration abilities of the kidneys.
- Left ventricular failure and pulmonary edema.
- Hemorrhagic stroke.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- Severe dehydration.
Drugs should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription. Using them unnecessarily can lead to grave consequences.
Side effects
During the use of drugs, there may be some side effects that can cause a person discomfort.
These include:
- Headaches.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Hemorrhages and death of tissues when funds come under the skin.
- A rebound effect may occur.
- Possible increase in nitrogen (residual) in the blood.
Usually, when such side effects occur, it is necessary to stop taking the drugs and consult a doctor immediately. He will adjust the dosage or replace the drug with a similar one.
What drugs belong to osmotic diuretics?
The most popular means is Mannitol. Instructions for use will allow you to familiarize yourself with its features.
Also in this group of drugs include:
- "Torasemide."
- "Bumetanide."
- Xipamide.
- Chlortalidone.
- "Polythiazitis."
This is an incomplete list of drugs that will help with edema and other diseases. They should not be used without the permission of the doctor, as well as Mannitol. The instructions for use will not give you guarantees that you have correctly selected and calculated the dosage.
Comparative characteristics
"Mannitol" is used more often than other drugs due to the fact that it acts stronger and longer, and also it does not increase the nitrogen content in the residual form in the blood. At the same time, urea penetrates better and deeper into organs and tissues. This can provoke hydration of the brain and increase the pressure inside the cranium 6-7 hours after the drug is administered intravenously.
Potassium-sparing diuretics
Osmotic potassium-sparing diuretics do not remove potassium from the body, unlike simple osmotic diuretics. Drugs belonging to this group have a positive effect on the heart muscle, but have one minus in comparison with drugs that remove potassium. It lies in the fact that their action is slightly slower, and it begins only on the second or third day after application. At the same time, their effect lasts longer.
Doctors recommend potassium-sparing diuretics in combination with other diuretics. Their single use to remove edema is undesirable, as they have a weak effect.
They are forbidden to use if a person has cirrhosis of the liver, renal failure in acute and chronic form, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia.
Taking medications that belong to this group is allowed only as directed by a doctor.
The use of diuretics in pregnancy
Osmotic diuretics can only be used when the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the fetus. The doctor decides on the appointment after conducting examinations and tests.
Overdose
If the administered dose exceeds the norm, then hypervolemia may develop, increase intracranial pressure and disturbed electrolyte-water balance. It is also possible to increase fluid outside the cells. If the dosage has been greatly exceeded, then the load on the heart will increase. In people with diseases of this organ, severe complications can occur that require immediate medical attention.
So, diuretic - what is it? Now, after reading this material, many people know the answer to this question. This group of drugs includes diuretics, which are used for cerebral edema, burns, sepsis and many other diseases. Due to their action, they improve the outflow of fluid in the urine and blood circulation in the kidneys. This contributes to their better filtering. Acceptance of drugs of this group is allowed only as prescribed by the doctor, because only he will calculate the correct dose for you and check for contraindications. It is quite difficult to do it yourself, and sometimes it is completely impossible.
Be healthy!