An aquaretic is a class of drug that is used to promote aquaresis, the excretion of water without electrolyte loss. Aquaretics are not strictly speaking diuretics, but are sometimes classified as such.
Contents
Aquaresis is preferable to diuresis in the treatment of hyponatremia.
Pharmacokinetics
Aquaretics increase urine output without increasing sodium and chloride excretion, thus causing an increase in urine whilst retaining electrolytes.
Examples
A number of herbal medicines are classified as aquaretics, for example common horsetail or common nettle leaves.
Synthetic aquaretics are vasopressin receptor antagonists, such conivaptan, tolvaptan, demeclocycline and OPC-31260, as well as lithium. These have been used in clinical trials as a treatment for syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).