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Diuretics are medicines that increase urine flow (cause diuresis). Loop diuretics are a powerful type of diuretic that work by inhibiting the sodium-potassium-chloride (Na+/K+/2Cl) co-transporter in the thick ascending loop of Henle (hence the name loop diuretic), which is located in the kidneys. This reduces or abolishes sodium, chloride, and potassium reabsorption, leading to increased loss of sodium, chloride, and potassium into the nephron (the functional unit of a kidney). As a result, water is also drawn into the nephron and urine volume increases. Loop diuretics also reduce the reabsorption of calcium and magnesium.

Loop diuretics are used in the treatment of edema due to heart failure, liver disease and kidney disease. They may also be used to treat high blood pressure.