How do Diuretics increase production of urine?

Not all diuretics work the same. The class of diuretics and how they work are:

High ceiling loop diuretics

High ceiling diuretics, such as Loop diuretics, inhibit the body's ability to reabsorb sodium (salt). Furosemide is an example of this type of diuretic.

Thiazides

This type of diuretic includes hydrochlorothiazide. They enhance excretion of sodium, potassium, calcium and chlorine ions, which leads to water retention in the urine.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

This class of diuretics inhibit the enzyme carbonic anhydrase which is found in the proximal convoluted tubule. This results in bicarbonate and potassium retention in urine and decreased sodium absorption. Acetazolamide and methazolamide are in this class.

Potassium-sparing diuretics

These do not promote the secretion of potassium into the urine, so not as much potassium is lost as in other diuretics.

Calcium-sparing diuretics

Calcium-sparing diuretics result in a relatively low rate of excretion of calcium.

The sparing effect on calcium can be beneficial in hypocalcemia, or unwanted in hypercalcemia. The thiazides and potassium-sparing diuretics are considered to be calcium-sparing diuretics. Conversely, loop diuretics promote a significant increase calcium excretion, which can increase risk of reduced bone density.

Osmotic diuretics

Osmotic diuretics cause water to be retained within the proximal tubule and descending limb of loop of Henle.

Low ceiling diuretics

The term "low ceiling diuretic" is used to indicate a diuretic has a rapidly flattening dose effect curve (in contrast to "high ceiling", where the relationship is close to linear).

Please see the Related Link for more information.

There are also foods that can act as diuretics. To learn more, see the Related Link.