Diuretics are substances that promote urine production and are used to treat various medical conditions like heart failure, liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure, water poisoning, and certain kidney diseases. Some diuretics, such as acetazolamide, help make urine more alkaline and aid in excreting substances like aspirin in case of overdose by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase, decreasing hydrogen ion formation and sodium-hydrogen antiport in the kidney, increasing sodium and bicarbonate in the urine and promoting diuresis. Side effects may include acidosis, kidney stones, and drowsiness.