Which group of medications is known to treat peripheral edema?

Diuretics are primarily used to treat conditions characterized by fluid retention, known as edema, including peripheral edema. This type of swelling often occurs in the legs, ankles, and feet, caused by the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues. Diuretics work by promoting the elimination of sodium and water through increased urine production, which effectively reduces fluid buildup in the body.

The other medication groups do not specifically target peripheral edema. Statins are primarily used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, not for managing fluid retention. Vasodilators primarily help improve blood flow and can be used for hypertension or heart-related conditions, but they do not directly address fluid retention. Bronchodilators are used to treat respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD by widening the air passages in the lungs and have no effect on peripheral edema. Thus, diuretics stand out as the appropriate choice for treating this condition.