Diuretics are a class of drugs that cause the kidneys to produce more urine. They help the body eliminate excess fluid and salt. The main types are loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, and osmotic diuretics. Diuretics are used to treat conditions like heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and hypertension by removing extra fluid from the body. Common side effects include impotence, rashes, nausea, dizziness and fatigue.