Which medication is a common diuretic used to treat fluid overload?

Furosemide is a commonly used loop diuretic that effectively treats fluid overload, making it the go-to medication in various clinical settings, especially for patients with heart failure or edema. Its mechanism involves inhibiting the sodium-potassium-chloride co-transporter in the ascending loop of Henle, thereby promoting significant diuresis. This results in increased urine output and the reduction of excess fluid, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like congestive heart failure or renal impairment.

Other diuretics listed, such as spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide, and torasemide, also serve important roles in managing fluid balance but may not be as universally associated with acute management of fluid overload. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic often used in conjunction with other diuretics to mitigate potassium loss and is more common in treating conditions like hyperaldosteronism. Hydrochlorothiazide is typically used for hypertension and mild fluid retention rather than acute fluid overload. Torasemide, while another loop diuretic similar to furosemide, has been used less frequently in practice compared to furosemide for the immediate management of fluid overload scenarios.