Diuretics are a type of medication that increases the amount of water and salt that is expelled from the body in urine. Medical professionals use these medications to treat a range of conditions, including high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
Diuretics is the name for a group of medications that help rid the body of extra fluid or salt.
This article looks at the different conditions that diuretics can treat. It also lists the different types of diuretics, and outlines any potential side effects.
One of the
Doctors may also use diuretics to treat congestive heart failure. This is when the heart can no longer effectively pump blood around the body.
A person with congestive heart failure can end up with a buildup of fluids in their body. This can cause ankle swelling and fluid retention. Diuretics can help remove water from the body and reduce this buildup of fluid.
Other conditions that a person can use diuretics to treat include:
The
Thiazides
Medical professionals use thiazides to treat high blood pressure, edema (fluid buildup), and congestive heart failure.
A person takes these drugs orally and they usually begin to act within roughly
A medical professional will usually administer thiazides early in the day so that the diuresis does not impact a person’s sleep.
Loop diuretics interfere with the transport of salt and water across cells in the kidneys. They cause the kidneys to pass out more fluid, which leads to increased urine production.
As more fluid passes out of the kidneys, less remains in the bloodstream. This means that any fluid that has built up in the tissues of the body can move back into the bloodstream to replace the fluids that the kidneys have passed out.
This can reduce the symptoms of edema and any breathlessness that fluid congestion may have caused.
Medical professionals use loop diuretics to manage and treat fluid buildup and conditions related to fluid buildup. These conditions
Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as
If a person’s potassium levels drop too far it may result in health problems such as arrhythmia.
Potassium-sparing diuretics are not as effective as other diuretics at reducing blood pressure. However, they do allow retention of potassium.
Therefore a medical professional may prescribe potassium-sparing diuretics to a person alongside thiazides or loop diuretics in order to keep a person’s potassium levels from dropping too much.
When a person takes diuretics, they may experience one of a number of side effects. These
In some rare cases a person may experience more serious side effects, including allergic reactions, kidney failure, and an irregular heartbeat.
If a person is experiencing side effects when taking diuretics they should speak to a doctor. The doctor may be able to prescribe a different medication.
A person should never stop taking their diuretics before consulting a doctor.
Diuretics are generally safe for most people. However, some people with specific conditions may be at risk of more serious issues if they take diuretics.
Diuretics may
A person should also inform their doctor if they have diabetes before they take diuretics. This is because some diuretics may cause abnormal glucose tolerance, which could worsen the symptoms of diabetes.
However, it is worth noting that some diuretics, particularly thiazides, do
Diuretics can
Medical professionals also recommend that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid taking diuretics.
Other conditions that diuretics may make worse include:
Some drugs may interact with diuretics. A person should therefore inform their doctor about any medication they are taking before they begin to take diuretics.
Some common medications that may interact with diuretics include:
There are a number of natural diuretics that a person can eat or drink. However, it is worth noting that these diuretics should not replace prescription medication that a person may require to treat certain conditions.
Some natural diuretics include:
Diuretics can increase urine production in the body. They also increase the amount of salt that the body expels.
Thiazides, loop diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics are the three main types of diuretics.
Medical professionals use diuretics to treat a range of conditions, including high blood pressure, edema, and congestive heart failure.
Some potential side effects of taking diuretics include weakness, dizziness, an electrolyte imbalance, and low levels of sodium and potassium.
Diuretics may also make some conditions worse. People with certain conditions, including pancreatitis, diabetes, and gout, should inform their doctor of their condition before taking diuretics.
Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2021
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