diuretic

(dī″yŭ-ret′ik )

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[L. diureticus, fr. Gr. diourētikos, pert. to urination]

1. Pert. to the increase of urinary secretion.
SEE: diuresis
2. An agent that increases urinary output. Diuretics are used to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure, and edema. Common side effects of these agents are potassium depletion, low blood pressure, dehydration, and hyponatremia.
Diuretic drugs are colloqually called water pills.

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