Physiology and Pathophysiology of Diuretic Action
2012; Elsevier BV; Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/b978-0-12-381462-3.00040-9
Autores Tópico(s)Renal function and acid-base balance
ResumoThe term diuretic derives from the Greek diouretikos , meaning “to promote urine.” Although infusion of saline or ingestion of water would therefore qualify as being diuretic, the term diuretic usually connotes a drug that can reduce the extracellular fluid (ECF) volume by increasing urinary solute or water excretion. The term aquaretic has sometimes been applied to drugs that increase excretion of solute free water, distinguishing them from traditional diuretics, which increase solute and water together. The clinical picture of ECF volume expansion leading to edema or “dropsy” (from the Latin, hydrops ) has been recognized since the earliest days of recorded history. Ancient Egyptians referred to “flooding of the heart,” and the Hippocratic Corpus later suggested specific remedies for dropsical patients, although their results are not noted. In 1553, Paracelsus recorded the first truly effective form of therapy for dropsy, inorganic mercury (Calomel). Inorganic mercury remained the mainstay of diuretic treatment until the beginning of this century.
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