WK2 - Diuretics

Question 1

What are the three types of diuretics?

Answer 1

• Potassium-Sparing
• Thiazide (thiazide-like)
• Loop

Each type has different effects on urinary output and blood pressure.

Question 2

What is the MOA (Mechanism of Action) of general diuretics?

Answer 2

• Increased urinary output
• Decreased circulating volume
• Decreased arterial resistance

Diuretics lower blood pressure by decreasing cardiac output.

Question 3

Diuretics lower BP by decreasing __________.

Answer 3

CARDIAC OUTPUT

They block sodium and chloride reabsorption.

Question 4

What is the first-line management for mild hypertension?

Answer 4

THIAZAIDE DIURETICS

They work on the distal convoluted tubule to inhibit resorption of sodium, potassium, and chloride.

Question 5

What are common thiazide diuretics?

Answer 5

• Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
• Metolazone (Zaroxolyn)

Thiazide diuretics can be used alone or in combination with other anti-hypertensives.

Question 6

What are the side effects of thiazide diuretics?

Answer 6

• Electrolyte and metabolic disturbances
• HYPOKALEMIA
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Worsening renal insufficiency
• Hyperuricemia

Monitor potassium levels and encourage potassium-rich foods.

Question 7

What is the MOA of loop diuretics?

Answer 7

• Inhibit sodium reabsorption in the LOOP OF HENLE
• Increases sodium in urine
• Water follows sodium

This leads to decreased fluid in blood vessels and decreased cardiac output.

Question 8

Name common loop diuretics.

Answer 8

• Furosemide (Lasix)
• Bumetanide (Bumex)
• Torsemide (Demadex)

Loop diuretics can be given orally or intravenously.

Question 9

What are the side effects of loop diuretics?

Answer 9

• HYPOKALEMIA
• Electrolyte abnormalities
• Dehydration
• Hypotension
• Ototoxicity

Monitor potassium levels; patients often receive KCL supplements.

Question 10

What is the MOA of potassium-sparing diuretics?

Answer 10

• Block action of aldosterone
• Retain potassium
• Excrete sodium and water

They are usually given in combination with other hypertensives to reduce the chance of hypokalemia.

Question 11

What are common potassium-sparing diuretics?

Answer 11

• Spironolactone (Aldactone)
• Triamterene (Dyerenium)

These provide a small amount of diuresis and hypotensive effect.

Question 12

What are the side effects of potassium-sparing diuretics?

Answer 12

• HYPERkalemia
• Endocrine effects (deepened voice, impotence, irregular menstrual cycles, gynecomastia, hirsutism)

Monitor for potassium levels and endocrine side effects.