The fluid balance and amount of water retained by the system are regulated mainly by the kidneys. This process happens due to the kidney’s remarkable ability to control the retention and elimination of sodium and chloride. Thus, if sodium and chloride are excreted from the system, water is also eliminated. On the other hand, if sodium and chloride are retained by the system, so is water.
Diuretics, commonly known as water pills are medications formulated to increase the water and salt content eliminate from the system as urine. Diuretics are a type of drug that increases urine flow, and it works by removing sodium and chloride from the system in the urine, likewise, sodium and chloride draw excess water from the body. Diuretics are categorized into three types and are often prescribed by your healthcare provider to treat and manage high blood pressure, however, they are also used for treating other conditions as well.
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What Conditions Do Diuretics Treat?
Diuretics are chiefly used to treat uncontrolled blood pressure, these drugs work to lower the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, thereby streamlining blood pressure.
They are helpful in managing other medical conditions including congestive heart failure, for instance, keeping the heart from pumping blood effectively throughout the system. This leads to fluid build-up in the body, which is termed edema. Diuretics can aid decrease this fluid build-up.
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Types Of Diuretics
Diuretics are of three types including thiazide, loop and potassium-sparing diuretics. All these types of diuretics work to eliminate more fluids from the body as urine.
Thiazide
Thiazide diuretics are commonly prescribed ones, which are often used to treat high blood pressure. Thiazide not only reduces fluids but also relaxes the blood vessels and promotes blood flow. It is at times taken with other medications used to regulate blood pressure. Examples of thiazides include:
- Chlorthalidone
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
- Metolazone
- Indapamide
Loop diuretics
Loop diuretics are mostly used to treat heart failure. Examples of these drugs include:
- Torsemide (Demadex)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Bumetanide
Potassium-sparing Diuretics
Potassium-sparing diuretics function to reduce fluid levels in the system without depleting potassium, which is a vital mineral that performs several bodily processes.
While other types of diuretics can lead to potassium loss, which can result in health issues like arrhythmia. Potassium-sparing diuretics may be prescribed in such cases, where a patient is at risk of low potassium levels. Also, potassium-sparing diuretics don’t effectively lower blood pressure as well as other types of diuretics. Hence, your physician may prescribe a potassium-sparing diuretic with another medication that also reduces blood pressure.
Also Read: Arrhythmia: Don’t Ignore Irregular Heartbeats, Get Help
Examples of potassium-sparing diuretics include:
- Amiloride
- Triamterene (Dyrenium)
- Spironolactone (Aldactone)
- Eplerenone (Inspra)
Side Effects Of Diuretics
Diuretics are usually well tolerated when taken as prescribed by the healthcare provider. The common side effects of diuretics include:
- Low potassium level in the blood
- Excess potassium in the blood (for potassium-sparing diuretics)
- Low sodium levels
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Increased thirst
- High blood sugar
- Muscle cramps
- Dyslipidaemia
- Skin rash
- Gout
- Diarrhoea
Serious Side Effects
Usually, in rare situations, diuretics may result in serious side effects, which include:
- Allergic reaction
- Kidney failure
- Irregular heartbeat
If you experience any of these side effects while having this medicine, then inform your physician immediately. They may change to a different medication or combination of medications to help mitigate the side effects.
Remember even if you have or don’t have any side effects never stop taking your medication without consulting with your physician.
Risks Of Diuretics
Diuretics are considered safe, but there are certain risks if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications.
Before you start taking prescribed medication, inform your healthcare provider if you suffer from any of the following health conditions:
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Lupus
- Gout
- Menstrual problems
- Kidney problems
- Frequent dehydration
Drug Interactions
When you start with a new course of medication, ensure to inform your doctor about other medications, supplements, or herbs you’re having. As some medications can interfere with diuretics.
