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Definition

Diuretics are medicines that help reduce the amount of water in the body.

Purpose

Diuretics are used to treat the buildup of excess fluid in the body that occurs with some medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. Some diuretics are also prescribed to treat high blood pressure. Most of these drugs act on the kidneys to increase urine output. This reduces the amount of fluid in the bloodstream, which in turn lowers blood pressure.

Diuretics may be used in surgery to reduce blood pressure and swelling. Mannitol, an osmotic diuretic, may be used to reduce swelling in the brain, which may be necessary for some neurosurgical procedures.

Description

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