Final answer:
Four drugs that reduce water absorption by acting as diuretics are Furosemide (Lasix), Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ; Esidrix, Hydrodiuril), Spironolactone (Aldactone), and Chlorthalidone (Hygroton). They work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing too much salt, which leads to increased urine output, and are used to treat conditions like hypertension and edema.
Step-by-step explanation:
Four drugs that can reduce water absorption are diuretics, which increase the excretion of water and salts by the kidneys. These drugs are often prescribed to manage conditions such as hypertension, edema due to heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. Here are four examples:
- Furosemide (Lasix) - a loop diuretic that works on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the nephron, making it very potent.
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ; Esidrix, Hydrodiuril) - a thiazide diuretic that acts on the distal convoluted tubule and is often used for mild to moderate hypertension.
- Spironolactone (Aldactone) - a potassium-sparing diuretic that works on the collecting ducts and later portions of the distal tubule, used especially in cases where it's important to avoid potassium loss.
- Chlorthalidone (Hygroton) - another thiazide-like diuretic with a longer duration of action, also used for hypertension.
These medications help to prevent the kidneys from reabsorbing too much salt, which in turn increases the amount of water that's passed out of the body in urine. Aside from managing fluid retention and blood pressure, they also have other clinical uses. However, they should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to potential side effects and interactions.