What are diuretics commonly known as?

Diuretics are commonly referred to as "water pills" because their primary function is to promote the excretion of water and electrolytes from the body through urine. They are often prescribed to help manage conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and edema because they help reduce excess fluid buildup. By increasing urine output, diuretics effectively lower blood volume, which can help decrease blood pressure and reduce swelling.

The terminology "water pills" directly reflects this mechanism of action, making it an intuitive way to understand what diuretics do. Other terms listed, such as "blood thinners," "stimulants," and "fat burners," refer to different classes of medications with entirely distinct purposes and mechanisms. Thus, the designation "water pills" is both descriptive and widely recognized when discussing diuretics in a medical context.