INDIRECT DIURETIC Meaning and
Definition
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An indirect diuretic refers to a medication or substance that enhances the production of urine in the body through indirect mechanisms. Diuretics are drugs commonly used to increase urine output and treat conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and edema. While direct diuretics act directly on the kidneys to promote the removal of excess salt and water from the body, indirect diuretics work through alternative pathways.
Indirect diuretics function by influencing various physiological processes, such as altering the balance of electrolytes, regulating hormone levels, or dilating blood vessels. These mechanisms indirectly lead to increased urine production and subsequent elimination of excess fluids from the body. Examples of indirect diuretics include medications like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers. These medications primarily work to expand the blood vessels, reduce fluid volume, and lower blood pressure, which inadvertently enhance diuresis.
Furthermore, indirect diuretics can also be substances or foods that possess diuretic properties due to their chemical compositions. Natural diuretics like caffeine, alcohol, certain herbs (e.g., dandelion and parsley), and fruits (e.g., watermelon and cranberries) can stimulate urine production by affecting water and electrolyte balance in the body.
Overall, indirect diuretics indirectly increase urine output by modulating different physiological processes, leading to the elimination of excess fluids and potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of conditions associated with fluid retention and hypertension.
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One which acts by strengthening the heart or relieving renal congestion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INDIRECT DIURETIC
- undirect diuretic
- jndirect diuretic
- kndirect diuretic
- ondirect diuretic
- 9ndirect diuretic
- 8ndirect diuretic
- ibdirect diuretic
- imdirect diuretic
- ijdirect diuretic
- ihdirect diuretic
- insirect diuretic
- inxirect diuretic
- incirect diuretic
- infirect diuretic
- inrirect diuretic
- ineirect diuretic
- indurect diuretic
- indjrect diuretic
- indkrect diuretic
- indorect diuretic
Etymology of INDIRECT DIURETIC
The word "indirect" is derived from the Latin word "indirecus", which is formed by combining the prefix "in-" meaning "not" or "without", and the verb "dīrēctus", which means "to guide" or "to lead". "Indirect" therefore conveys the idea of not leading or guiding in a straight or direct manner.
On the other hand, "diuretic" originates from the Greek word "diourētikós", which is derived from "diourein" meaning "to make water pass through". The term "diuretic" denotes a substance or medication that promotes the production of urine or increases the excretion of fluids from the body.
When combined, "indirect diuretic" describes a substance or medication that indirectly influences or promotes diuresis (increased urine production).
