Diuretics

Diuretics, also called water pills, are a frequent treatment method for substantial blood stress. Find out how they function and when you may well require them.

By Mayo Clinic Team

Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, help rid your body of salt (sodium) and water. Most of these medications help your kidneys launch extra sodium into your urine. The sodium aids get rid of water from your blood, lowering the quantity of fluid flowing through your veins and arteries. This cuts down blood stress.

Examples of diuretics

There are 3 forms of diuretics:

  • Thiazide
  • Loop
  • Potassium sparing

Every single variety of diuretic impacts a different aspect of your kidneys. Some pills merge extra than just one variety of diuretic or merge a diuretic with yet another blood stress medicine.

Which diuretic is very best for you depends on your overall health and the problem staying taken care of.

Examples of thiazide diuretics taken by mouth consist of:

  • Chlorothiazide
  • Chlorthalidone
  • Hydrochlorothiazide
  • Indapamide
  • Metolazone

Examples of loop diuretics consist of:

  • Bumetanide (Bumex)
  • Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
  • Furosemide (Lasix)
  • Torsemide (Soaanz)

Examples of potassium-sparing diuretics consist of:

  • Amiloride (Midamor)
  • Eplerenone (Inspra)
  • Spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir)
  • Triamterene (Dyrenium)

When diuretics are made use of

Thiazide diuretics are suggested as just one of the initial drug treatment plans for substantial blood stress.

If diuretics are not adequate to lessen your blood stress, your physician may well incorporate other blood stress drugs to your treatment method system.

Diuretics are also made use of to avert, handle or enhance signs or symptoms in men and women who have:

  • Coronary heart failure
  • Liver failure
  • Tissue inflammation (edema)
  • Certain kidney disorders, these as kidney stones

Side consequences

Diuretics are generally secure. Side consequences consist of greater urination and sodium loss.

Diuretics can also have an effect on blood potassium amounts. If you choose a thiazide diuretic, your potassium stage can drop way too low (hypokalemia), which can bring about life-threatening complications with your heartbeat. If you’re on a potassium-sparing diuretic, you can have way too considerably potassium in your blood.

Other probable facet consequences of diuretics consist of:

  • Dizziness
  • Problems
  • Dehydration
  • Muscle cramps
  • Joint disorders (gout)
  • Impotence