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What is the number one diuretic?

Thiazides are the most commonly prescribed diuretics. They're most often used to treat high blood pressure. These drugs not only decrease fluids, they also cause your blood vessels to relax. Thiazides are sometimes taken with other medications used to lower blood pressure.

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Overview Diuretics, also called water pills, are medications designed to increase the amount of water and salt expelled from the body as urine. There are three types of prescription diuretics. They’re often prescribed to help treat high blood pressure, but they’re used for other conditions as well. What diuretics help treat The most common condition treated with diuretics is high blood pressure. The drugs reduce the amount of fluid in your blood vessels, and this helps lower your blood pressure. Other conditions are also treated with diuretics. Congestive heart failure, for instance, keeps your heart from pumping blood effectively throughout your body. This leads to a buildup of fluids in your body, which is called edema. Diuretics can help reduce this fluid buildup. Types of diuretics The three types of diuretic medications are called thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing diuretics. All of them make your body excrete more fluids as urine. Thiazide diuretics Thiazides are the most commonly prescribed diuretics. They’re most often used to treat high blood pressure. These drugs not only decrease fluids, they also cause your blood vessels to relax. Thiazides are sometimes taken with other medications used to lower blood pressure. Examples of thiazides include: chlorthalidone

hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)

metolazone

indapamide Loop diuretics Loop diuretics are often used to treat heart failure. Examples of these drugs include: torsemide (Demadex)

furosemide (Lasix)

bumetanide Potassium-sparing diuretics Potassium-sparing diuretics reduce fluid levels in your body without causing you to lose potassium, an important nutrient. The other types of diuretics cause you to lose potassium, which can lead to health problems such as arrhythmia. Potassium-sparing diuretics may be prescribed for people at risk of low potassium levels, such as those who take other medications that deplete potassium. Potassium-sparing diuretics don’t reduce blood pressure as well as the other types of diuretics do. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe a potassium-sparing diuretic with another medication that also lowers blood pressure. Examples of potassium-sparing diuretics include: amiloride

triamterene (Dyrenium)

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spironolactone (Aldactone)

eplerenone (Inspra)

Side effects of diuretics When taken as prescribed, diuretics are generally well tolerated. However, they can still cause some side effects. More common side effects The more common side effects of diuretics include: too little potassium in the blood

too much potassium in the blood (for potassium-sparing diuretics)

low sodium levels

headache

dizziness

thirst

increased blood sugar

muscle cramps

increased cholesterol

skin rash

gout

diarrhea Serious side effects In rare cases, diuretics may cause serious side effects. These can include: allergic reaction

kidney failure

irregular heartbeat What you can do If you have side effects that bother you while taking diuretics, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe a different medication or combination of medications to help reduce your side effects. Whether or not you have side effects, don’t stop taking your diuretic without first talking to your doctor. Risks of diuretics Diuretics are generally safe, but there are some risks if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications. Conditions of concern Before you take a prescribed diuretic, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions or issues: diabetes

pancreatitis

lupus

gout

menstrual problems

kidney problems

frequent dehydration Drug interactions When you begin a new medication, make sure to tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbs you’re taking. Some medications that might interact with a diuretic include: cyclosporine (Restasis)

antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR)

lithium

digoxin (Digox)

other drugs for high blood pressure

Herb and plant diuretics Some herbs and plants are considered “natural diuretics,” including: hawthorn

green and black tea

parsley These substances aren’t meant to be used to replace a prescription diuretic. If you have questions about diuretics and other treatment options, talk to your doctor.

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