Diuretics
medicines which cause an increase of the function of the kid neys, and consequently augment the quantity of the urine. They are divided by Garrod into sedative, as squills, scoparium, tobacco, colchicum; and stimulant, as juniper, turpentine, copaiba, cantharides, nitrite of ethyl, alcohol, and water. Indirect diuretics, or hydragogue purgatives, as elaterium, cream of tartar, digitalis, gamboge.
Lithontriptics, or remedies which alter the quality of the urine and prevent the crystallization and deposition of the ingredients which form gravel and calculi, as carbonates of lithium, potassium, sodium, and alkaline mineral waters, etc. Diuretics are given (1) to cause an increased flow of urine when the renal secretion is deficient; (2) to eliminate poisons and matters formed in disease from the blood; (3) to produce a larger flow of urine, to hold in solution substances which would be deposited, and form calculi.