diuretic

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diuretic (dy-yoor-et-ik) n. a drug that increases the volume of urine produced by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney. Diuretics are used in the treatment of oedema and high blood pressure. loop d. a diuretic, such as furosemide, that acts by inhibiting reabsorption of sodium and potassium in Henle's loop. potassium-sparing d. a diuretic, such as amiloride, that prevents excessive loss of potassium at the distal convoluted tubules. thiazide d. a diuretic, such as bendroflumethiazide, that acts by preventing the reabsorption of sodium and potassium in the distal kidney tubules.

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