What is a diuretic?

• A. A medication that increases urine production to remove excess fluid.
• B. A medication that reduces fever.
• C. A medication that prevents blood clotting.
• D. A medication that treats bacterial infections.

Answer: (A)

A diuretic is a medication that increases urine production to remove excess fluid from the body. By promoting more urine, it helps reduce fluid buildup in tissues and blood, which can lessen swelling (edema) and help lower blood pressure in some people. Diuretics work by acting on the kidneys to make more salt and water leave the body in urine, with different types targeting different parts of the kidney. They are not used to reduce fever, prevent blood clots, or treat bacterial infections—those roles belong to antipyretics, anticoagulants, and antibiotics, respectively.