Diuretic Therapy: Current Role and Effects of Withdrawal

Diuretics are agents that stimulate the production of urine. In this definition also water is an example of a diuretic. It provokes intense diuresis if taken in sufficiently large dosages. Popular drinks such as coffee and beer have well balanced diuretic properties, caused by caffeine and ethanol. ,,' Many other substances in our food and drinks have mild diuretic effects. For therapeutic goals however, pharmacological agents were synthesized with a much stronger diuretic action, and this thesis deals with the role of these diuretic drugs in medical practice today.