Diuretics are medications that cause the kidney to excrete more water and salt. Diuretics can cause the depletion of potassium and magnesium, which can be dangerous. Patients who are taking diuretics, therefore, should consult with their physician regarding supple-mentation of these electrolytes.
Also called water pills, diuretics are used to treat conditions such as CHF, high blood pressure (hypertension), or edema (water retention). Diuretics are also effective for the treatment of certain kinds of kidney or liver diseases. Diuretics come in three basic types: the thiazides, the loop diuretics, and the potassium-sparing diuretics. Thiazide diuretics work by increasing the excretion of water and salt from the kidneys. They are the only type of diuretic that dilates the blood vessels, which also helps to lower blood pressure.
Some examples of thiazide diuretics are:
Generic Name Brand Name
methyclothiazide Aquatensen
hydrochlorothiazide Hydrodiuril
chlorthalidone Hygroton
metolazone Zaroxolyn
Loop diuretics cause the kidneys to increase the flow of urine. This helps reduce the amount of water in your body and lower your blood pressure.
Common examples of loop diuretics are:
Generic Name Brand Name
furosemide Lasix and Myrosemide
bumetanide Bumex
torsemide Demadex
ethacrynic acid Edecrin
Potassium-sparing diuretics are used to reduce the amount of water and salt in the body. Although these diuretics cause the body to lose a type of salt called sodium (table salt), they do not cause your body to lose another type of salt called potassium. Potassium levels should be checked frequently when beginning this type of diuretic, because high potassium levels can result, which are dangerous. Some examples of potassium-sparing diuretics are:
Generic Name Brand Name
spironolactone Aldactone
triamterene Dyrenium
amiloride Midamor