This article waslast modified on 10 July 2017.
A drug that increases the production of urine; it is commonly used in the treatment of oedema (too much water in body tissues), high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure. There are several types of diuretics, including thiazides (e.g., chlorothiazide - Saluric and hydrochlorothiazide - Esidrix), loop diuretics (frusemide - Lasix), and others (spironolactone - Aldactone). They work in different ways and can produce side effects chiefly electrolyte (especially sodium and potassium) imbalances.