Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part D (2025)

Diuretic drugs are class of pharmaceutical agents that promote diuresis, or increased urine production, by acting on different segments of the nephron to inhibit sodium and water reabsorption. They play a pivotal role in the management of several clinical conditions, particularly those associated with fluid overload and hypertension. Diuretics are broadly classified into loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics, potassium- sparing diuretics, osmotic diuretics and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors—each differing their site of action and therapeutic application. This article explores the underlying mechanisms of action of various diuretic classes and reviews their clinical use in treating disorders such as congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, Glaucoma, liver cirrhosis and hypertension. Emphasis is placed on the pharmacodynamics, potential adverse effects and appropriate selection of diuretics tailored to specific pathologies. Underlying the pharmacological basis and therapeutic indications of diuretics is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing complications associated with their use.