Diuretics and Cation Exchange Resins

Abstract

Diuretics are indicated in any patient who has adequate renal function and who has oedema arising from a central rather than a local cause [1]. They play a major part in the management of cardiac failure and of oedema attributable to a low plasma protein level whether this arises on a nutritional, hepatic, or renal basis. In addition they have a valuable supplementary role in the treatment of hypertension [1, 2] and are sometimes useful in the treatment of acute-on-chronic respiratory failure and of some cases of poisoning.