Diuretics in clinical practice. Part I: mechanisms of action, pharmacological effects and clinical indications of diuretic compounds

Abstract

Importance of the field: Diuretics are among the most important drugs of our therapeutic armamentarium and have been broadly used for > 50 years, providing important help towards the treatment of several diseases. Although all diuretics act primarily by impairing sodium reabsorption in the renal tubules, they differ in their mechanism and site of action and, therefore, in their specific pharmacological properties and clinical indications. Loop diuretics are mainly used for oedematous disorders (i.e., cardiac failure, nephrotic syndrome) and for blood pressure and volume control in renal disease; thiazides and related agents are among the most prescribed drugs for hypertension treatment; aldosterone-blockers are traditionally used for primary or secondary aldosteronism; and other diuretic classes have more specific indications.

Areas covered in this review: This article discusses the mechanisms of action, pharmacological effects and clinical indications of the various diuretic classes used in everyday clinical practice, with emphasis on recent knowledge suggesting beneficial effects of certain diuretics on clinical conditions distinct from the traditional indications of these drugs (i.e., heart protection for aldosterone blockers).

What the reader will gain: Reader will gain insights into the effective use of diuretic agents for various medical conditions, representing their established or emerging therapeutic indications.

Take home message: Knowledge of the pharmacologic properties and mechanisms of action of diuretic agents is a prerequisite for the successful choice and effective clinical use of these compounds.