What is "loop diuretic"

n. Any diuretic that acts on the ascending loop of Henle in the kidney.

Loop diuretics are diuretics that act at the ascending loop of Henle in the kidney. They are primarily used in medicine to treat hypertension and edema often due to congestive heart failure or renal insufficiency. While thiazide diuretics are more effective in patients with normal kidney function, loop diuretics are more effective in patients with impaired kidney function.