Mercurial diuretic

Mercurial diuretics are a class of diuretics that were once widely used in the treatment of hypertension and edema. They work by increasing the excretion of sodium and water from the kidneys. The most well-known mercurial diuretic is mercurial, which is no longer in use due to its toxicity and the availability of safer alternatives.

History

Mercurial diuretics were first introduced in the 1950s and were commonly used until the 1970s. They were replaced by safer and more effective diuretics such as thiazide diuretics and loop diuretics.

Mechanism of action

Mercurial diuretics increase the excretion of sodium and water from the kidneys by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump in the renal tubule. This leads to an increase in the concentration of sodium in the urine, which in turn leads to an increase in water excretion.

Side effects

The use of mercurial diuretics is associated with a number of side effects, including nephrotoxicity, hypokalemia, and mercury poisoning. Due to these side effects and the availability of safer alternatives, mercurial diuretics are no longer in use.

See also

• Diuretic
• Hypertension
• Edema
• Mercury poisoning