Question

Which of the following diuretics will you use when you have to have a rapid diuresis?

(a) Osmotic diuretics

(b) Loop diuretics

(c) Carbonic anhydrous inhibitor diuretics

(d) Potassium-sparing diuretics

The question was posed to me in examination.

This intriguing question originated from Diuretics in division Applications of Pharmacokinetic Principles, Diuretics, Drug Concentration and Pharmacologic Response of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

Correct choice is (b) Loop diuretics

The explanation: Loop diuretics act directly on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle to inhibit sodium and chloride resorption and provides with rapid diuresis. Edema associated with hepatic or renal disease, control of hypertension, increase renal excretion of calcium in patients with hypercalcemia, useful when rapid diuresis is desired because of the rapid onset of action.