osmotic diuretic
drug
Quick Summary
An osmotic diuretic is a type of drug that increases urine flow by limiting water reabsorption in the kidney tubules. These substances, such as mannitol, have a low molecular weight and are filtered by the glomerulus. Because they cannot be reabsorbed from the urine, they create an osmotic imbalance across the tubule membrane. To maintain osmotic pressure, water moves across the membrane, resulting in an increased urine volume. This mechanism helps the body excrete excess water, salts, and metabolic waste products.12
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