The main difference between diuretics and antidiuretics is that diuretics increase water excretion in urine, whereas antidiuretics reduce the excretion of water in urine.
Diuretics and antidiuretics are two substances that control fluid balance in the body. They change the volume of urine.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Diuretics
– Definition, Facts, Examples
2. What is Antidiuretics
– Definition, Facts, Examples
3. Similarities Between Diuretics and Antidiuretics
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Diuretics and Antidiuretics
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Antidiuretics, Diuretics
What are Diuretics
Diuretics or water pills are drugs used as a common treatment for high blood pressure. They reduce the fluid buildup in the body. Therefore, they help to remove water and salts through the kidneys. Thus, they reduce the volume of fluids through arteries and veins. It reduced the blood pressure. Thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing are common drugs used as diuretics. Examples of thiazide include chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, and indapamide. Examples of loop diuretics include bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), furosemide (Lasix), and torsemide (Soaanz). Amiloride (Midamor), eplerenone (Inspra), triamterene (Dyrenium), and spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir) are examples of potassium-sparing diuretics.
Figure 1: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Furthermore, thiazides are among the first medicines to treat high blood pressure. Additional medicines are required when the blood pressure is still high. Diuretics are also important in treating heart failure, liver failure, fluid buildup, and certain kidney disorders. The side effects of diuretics include more urination and low sodium and potassium levels in the blood.
What are Antidiuretics
Antidiuretics are hormones produced by nerve cells in the hypothalamus. They are transported from the hypothalamus to the posterior pituitary through nerve cells and are released into the bloodstream. Also, they act on the kidneys and blood vessels and reduce the amount of water passed through the urine. Therefore, they conserve the fluids in the body. Thus, more water returns to the blood from the urine, concentrating it. Hence, more water returns to the body. Additionally, antidiuretics constrict blood vessels, increasing blood pressure. In dehydration, antidiuretics can restore water in the body.
Figure 2: Antidiuretics
Moreover, vasopressin is an example of antidiuretics. It increases water reabsorption in the collecting ducts. Also, several factors control the release of antidiuretics from the hypothalamus. Baroreceptors in the heart and large blood vessels detect dehydration or bleeding and stimulate the release of antidiuretics. The secretion of diuretics also occurs when the body’s salt concentration increases. It results when drinking less water on a hot day. The osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus detect it. Further, antidiuretics are released in thirst, nausea, vomiting, and pain. However, alcohol prevents the release of antidiuretics.
Similarities Between Diuretics and Antidiuretics
- Diuretics and antidiuretics are two substances that can alter the volume of urine.
- They maintain the fluid balance of the body.
Difference Between Diuretics and Antidiuretics
Definition
Diuretics refer to any drug that increases the flow of urine. In contrast, antidiuretics refer to acting on the kidneys to control water excretion.
Type of Substance
Diuretics are drugs, while antidiuretics are hormones produced by the body.
Function
Diuretics increase water excretion in urine, while antidiuretics reduce the excretion in urine.
Importance
Diuretics are important in high blood pressure, treating heart failure, liver failure, fluid buildup, and certain kidney disorders, while antidiuretics are important in dehydration, thirst, nausea, vomiting, and pain.
Examples
High-ceiling diuretics, thiazides, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, etc., are examples of diuretics, while vasopressin are antidiuretics.
Conclusion
In brief, diuretics and antidiuretics are two substances that can alter the volume of urine. In that way, they control the fluid balance of the body. Diuretics are drugs that increase the excretion of urine. Examples of diuretics include high-ceiling diuretics, thiazides, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, etc. In comparison, antidiuretics are hormones that decrease the urine excretion. Vasopressin is an example of a diuretic. Therefore, the main difference between diuretics and antidiuretics is the change in the urine volume.
References:
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, August 17). What you need to know about water pills (diuretics). Mayo Clinic.
- Anti-diuretic hormone. You and Your Hormones. (n.d.).
Image Courtesy:
- “K-sparing diuretics” By Pharmattila – Own Work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “AdhVasopressin” By Juancoronado1974 – Own work (CC-BY SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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