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Renal System Drugs Overview

Jun 9, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers essential renal system drugs, focusing on urinary antispasmodics and various types of diuretics, their mechanisms, uses, and key considerations.

Urinary Antispasmodics

  • Used to manage overactive bladder symptoms.
  • Examples: Tolteridine (Detrol LA), sulafenicin (Vesicare), darfenicin (Enablex).
  • Work by reducing bladder contractions and urgency to urinate.

Diuretics

Loop Diuretics

  • Example: Furosemide (Lasix).
  • Treat edema and hypertension by inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle.
  • Increase urine output and reduce fluid overload.
  • Side effects include hyponatremia (low sodium) and hypotension (low blood pressure).

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

  • Example: Triamterene (Diureneum).
  • Also manage edema and hypertension.
  • Block sodium channels in the distal tubule, reducing sodium reabsorption and preventing potassium loss.
  • Help maintain electrolyte balance.

Thiazide Diuretics

  • Examples: Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide, Acidrix), combination with triamterene (Diazide, Maxide).
  • Used for hypertension and edema.
  • Inhibit sodium reabsorption, increase urine output, and lower blood pressure.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Overactive Bladder — a condition causing sudden urge to urinate and potential leakage.
  • Edema — swelling caused by excess fluid in tissues.
  • Hypertension — high blood pressure.
  • Loop of Henle — part of the nephron involved in filtering and reabsorbing substances in the kidney.
  • Hyponatremia — low sodium levels in the blood.
  • Hypotension — low blood pressure.
  • Distal Tubule — section of nephron where further reabsorption occurs.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review handouts and flashcards on renal system drugs.
  • Focus on drug mechanisms, uses, and key side effects.