Potassium sparing diuretics with thiazides

Diuretics are drugs that increase the volume of urine produced by promoting the excretion of salt and water from the kidneys. There are several types of diuretics, each working in a distinct way.

Thiazide diuretics inhibit sodium re-absorption at the beginning of the distal convoluted tubules. Potassium sparing diuretics prevent excessive loss of potassium at the distal convoluted tubules.

A combination of a potassium sparing diuretic with a thiazide diuretic is used to reduce edema due to salt and water retention in disorders of the heart, kidneys, liver or lungs. They are used commonly in treatment of hypertension.