What type of drugs are commonly referred to as "water pills"?

The term "water pills" commonly refers to diuretics, which are medications designed to promote the excretion of water and sodium through urine. Diuretics are often used to help manage conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and edema, as they reduce the amount of fluid in the body and help lower blood pressure. By increasing urine production, these drugs aid in the removal of excess fluid, which can alleviate symptoms associated with various health issues, making them quite effective in these situations.

Understanding this specific function of diuretics helps to clarify their role in managing fluid-related conditions, distinguishing them from other classes of medications. For example, antibiotics are used to fight infections, analgesics relieve pain, and antidepressants address mood disorders; none of these directly affect fluid retention or promote urine production in the same way that diuretics do. This specific action of diuretics is what earns them the nickname "water pills."