Final answer:
Diuretics are drugs that stimulate the kidneys to produce more urine by interfering with sodium and chloride ion reabsorption in the nephron, commonly used to treat hypertension.
Step-by-step explanation:
The class of drugs that stimulates the kidneys to produce more urine is called diuretics. Diuretics work by interfering with the absorption of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions in different parts of the nephron, which include structures such as the loop of Henle and the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). By inhibiting reabsorption, diuretics increase the amount of salt and water excreted in the urine, which increases urine output. This action is often used to treat conditions like hypertension, where reducing blood volume can help lower blood pressure. Familiar substances like caffeine and alcohol can also have diuretic effects. Specifically, alcohol increases urine output by inhibiting the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the posterior pituitary gland, leading to less water being reclaimed by the collecting ducts.