About Us    Contact Us    Careers    Site Map    Search

Health Care Services    Hospitals & Facilities    Health Information    Find a Doctor    Why Choose Baptist
 
Home Health Information Health Topic Library Medications
Diuretics
 
What is a diuretic?
Diuretics or "water pills" increase the loss of water and salt through the urine. There are many different kinds of diuretics. Examples include furosemide (Lasix), spironolactone (Aldactone), and hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL).

When are diuretics used?
Diuretics are most often used when too much water builds up in the body. This happens when a diseased heart cannot pump well and water collects in body tissues (heart failure). They are also used to treat:
  • high blood pressure
  • glaucoma, a condition in which there is increased fluid pressure in the eye that can cause blindness
  • edema (swelling in the ankles and feet).

Diuretics work better if you use less salt in your diet. Ask your provider or dietitian how to lower the amount of salt (sodium) in your diet.

How do they work?
Diuretics work on kidney cells to increase the amount of sodium and water taken out of your body. There are many kinds of diuretics available. Each works in slightly different ways. Your health care provider will choose the type that is best for you.

Diuretics can lower the levels of both sodium and potassium in your body. Potassium is a mineral. It helps your heart rhythm stay regular, among other things. Some diuretics make you lose potassium and are called potassium wasting diuretics. Others cause your body to hold onto potassium and are called potassium sparing diuretics. Ask your health care provider which type you are taking. You will need to have regular blood tests to check your potassium levels.

When should I call my health care provider?
If you are taking a diuretic that makes you lose potassium, the level of potassium in your blood can get too low. This can make you feel weak and cause your heart to beat irregularly. You may not be able to feel the irregular heartbeats, but it may be dangerous. Your provider may tell you to eat foods that have more potassium. Potassium is found in leafy vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices, and bananas. Dried fruits like raisins have high amounts of potassium. Your health care provider may give you potassium in pill form.

If you are taking a diuretic that makes you hold on to potassium, the level of potassium in your blood can get too high. This may cause slow or irregular heartbeats. Some other types of medicines, such as ACE inhibitors, can also make your body hold onto potassium. Taking drugs like these with diuretics can make it more likely you might have problems. People with diabetes or kidney disease are more likely to have high potassium levels when taking potassium-sparing diuretics.

Because diuretics lower blood pressure, you may become lightheaded or even faint when you stand. This is more likely if you are also taking other medicines for high blood pressure. If you have such symptoms, tell your health care provider right away.

Diuretics may raise the level of uric acid in your blood and increase your risk of gout. If you are diabetic, diuretics may increase your blood sugar. You may need to check your blood sugar more often when you first start taking a diuretic.

Report these side effects to your health care provider right away:
  • muscle cramps
  • unusual weakness
  • nausea and vomiting
  • rash or itching.

Diuretics are very useful drugs and are very safe when used as prescribed. Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist If you have any questions.




  Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

  HIA File MED4262F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.


Top of Page

Baptist Online
Read the latest articles about a variety of health subjects, with many practical tips to help you take control of your health.
More

See Information Related to This Topic
Home | Health Care Services | Hospitals & Facilities | Health Information | Find a Doctor | Why Choose Baptist
©2009 Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer. Notice of Privacy Practices.
Baptist Memorial Hospital In keeping with the three-fold ministry of Christ — healing, preaching and teaching — Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation is committed to providing quality health care.