Diuretics
Diuretics are drugs used for eliminating excess fluid build up in the body. Doctors prescribe certain Diuretics against high blood pressure.
Known as water pills, diuretics come in several types. You can come across loop diuretics, Thiazide diuretics and Potassium sparing diuretics. While the loop diuretics like furosemide and bumetanide helps in removing extra fluids from the kidney, the Potassium sparing diuretics like amiloride and triamterene prevents the loss of potassium in the body. The thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide block sodium absorption from the kidney back into the blood.
Doctors usually prescribe diuretics taking into account a person’s health and also the nature of the disease; the dosage varies from one person to another. Care should be taken that you do not cross the dosage level prescribed for you. Once you are administered diuretics, you should be under the constant watch of your doctor. You should never miss the appointments and also lab tests.
Once your doctor decides to prescribe diuretics, you should inform him about all your medical conditions. You should have to inform your doctor if you have any allergies to any medicines or any substance. Inform him if you get dehydrated easily or if you have pancreatitis, lupus and menstrual problems. Unless your doctor knows about your complete health conditions, he may not be able to make a right decision on the medication; may be he will not prescribe the drug or he may go for dosage regulation.
Like other medicines, Diuretics are also known to interact with certain medicines. You should have to be careful when using Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Potassium supplements and Cholesterol lowering drugs as these interact with Diuretics.
Well, you have to be very cautious when taking the diuretics. The loop diuretics and Thiazide diuretics decreases the potassium levels in the body, which can increase the risk for arrhythmias (heart rhythm disturbances that can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest). When using Potassium sparing diuretics, there is an increased danger of the potassium levels rising to dangerous levels in the body.
You should also follow the right diet as told by the doctor. You should not make any changes in your diet without consulting your doctor. You should have to avoid alcohol while taking the drug. It has been seen that some diuretics are very sensitive to sunlight. So wear some protective clothing or use some sunscreen lotion or creams when going out. It is better to avoid sunlight, tanning booths and sun lamps.
Diuretics also come with side effects as like other medications. Dizziness, vomiting, Loss of appetite, diarrhoea, stomach and muscle cramps, tingling heart palpitations, numbness and loss of sexual drive are some of the common side effects of diuretics. In women, one can come across hair growth, deepening voice, breast tenderness and menstrual changes.
Pregnant women should not take diuretics unless the doctor recommends it. Breast-feeding women should only use a diuretic after consulting the doctor.