Diuretics

Diuretics are used to treat a variety of heart problems, including congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and edema that occurs as a result of high blood pressure. Diuretics are often called water pills, as they help lower excessive amounts of salt and water that flows throughout the body.

There are three main forms of diuretics. While each one functions differently, they all lower water and salt amounts, which in turn lowers the blood pressure.

Thiazide diuretics are one form of diuretic. They are the only form that works to widen narrowed blood vessels, which in turn lowers blood pressure. This is the most commonly prescribed type of diuretic. Common forms include (the generic names for each medication are listed in parentheses):
Aquatensen (methyclothiazide)
Diucardin (hydroflumethiozide)
Diulo (metolazone)
Diuril (chlorothiazide)
Enduron (methyclothiazide)
Esidrix (hydrochlorothiazide)
Hydro-chlor (hydrochlorothiazide)
Hydro-D (hydrochlorothiazide)
HydroDIURIL (hydrochlorothiazide)
Hydromox (quinethazone)
Hygroton (chlorthalidone)
Metahydrin (trichlormethiazide)
Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide)
Mykrox (metolazone)
Naqua (trichlormethiazide)
Naturetin (bendroflumethiazide)
Oretic (hydrochlorothiazide)
Renese (polythiazide)
Saluron (hydroflumethiozide)
Thalitone (chlorthalidone)
Trichlorex (trichlormethiazide)
Zaroxolyn (metolazone)

Potassium-sparing diuretics are used to reduce water and salt in the body, like all diuretics. Unlike other diuretics, however, potassium-sparing diuretics don't deplete the body of potassium. These include:
Aldactone (spironolactone)
Dyrenium (triamterene)
Midamore (amiloride)

Loop-acting diuretics are another form of diuretic. Their function is aimed primarily towards the kidneys by causing them to increase the flow of urine, thereby reducing water in the body and lowering blood pressure. Commonly-prescribed loop-acting diuretics include
Bumex (bumetanide)
Demadex (torsemide)
Edecrin (ethacrynic acid)
Lasix (furosemide)
Myrosemide (furosemide)

What You and Your Doctor Need to Know
Diuretics, like many other medicines, have a tendency to interact with other medications. Certain anti-depressants, other high blood-pressure medication, lithium for bipolar disorder, and cyclosporine may all interact with diuretics, decreasing their effectiveness and potentially causing greater health problems. You should inform your doctor of any medications you are taking before you being any diuretic.

In addition, certain conditions will cause diuretics to do more harm than good. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or would like to become pregnant, you should tell discuss whether or not diuretics are right for you with your doctor. If you have diabetes, kidney problems, or become dehydrated easily, your doctor needs to know that as well because diuretics influence fluid and blood sugar levels in the body.

Side Effects
One reason diuretics are a blood pressure and heart disease medication of choice is because the side effects tend to be less drastic than those of other heart medications. Not all patients taking diuretics will experience adverse reactions, but some common side effects of diuretics include:
A feeling of weakness or fatigue
Rash
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Menstrual cramps
Muscle cramps
Joint pain

Less common side effects include a decreased sex drive or impotence, and even rarer side effects consist of arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat. As with any medication, it's important that you don't just stop taking diuretics. This could make the condition even worse. Discuss any side effects you are experiencing with your doctor. In many cases, the benefits of the medication will outweigh the side effects and you will remain on the medication. Other times, the dosage will be adjusted or medication will be changed.

Diuretics are generally an effective way of lowering blood pressure by lowering the amounts of salt and water within the body and widening clogged and narrowed arteries. Keeping your doctor informed and following directions for taking the medication will help you make the most of your treatment.

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Diuretics