How does hydrochlorothiazide increase urine output?

Hydrochlorothiazide increases urine output primarily by promoting the excretion of sodium. This diuretic works in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, where it inhibits the sodium-chloride symporter. When sodium is excreted into the urine, it draws water along with it due to osmotic forces, leading to an increase in urine volume.

This process is essential for managing conditions such as hypertension and edema, as decreasing sodium reabsorption reduces fluid retention in the body. The action of hydrochlorothiazide on sodium reabsorption is key to its effectiveness as a diuretic, as the more sodium that is excreted, the more water will follow, resulting in increased urine output.