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Osmotic diuresis

• Overview

Definition:

Osmosis is the passage of a material through a semipermeable membrane that separates solutions of different concentrations. Diuresis is the secretion of large amounts of urine.

Osmotic diuresis is increased urination caused by the presence of certain substances in the kidney tubules. Excessive amounts of glucose (blood sugar) can cause osmotic diuresis, as can medications such as Mannitol.

• Review Date: 9/13/2005
• Reviewed By: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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