Definition:
Diuretics are medications that cause the body to rid itself of excess water through urination. They are primarily used to treat high blood pressure and edema (excess fluid build-up). Major diuretics include the loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide), thiazide diuretics (e.g., http://drugsaz.about.com/od/drugs/hydrochlorothiazide.htm">hydrochlorothiazide), and potassium-sparing diuretics ((e.g., spironolactone).
Pronunciation: di-yur-E-tic
Also Known As: water pills
