Diuretics Drugs

By Author: Sulamita Berrezi
Total Articles: 115
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Diuretics are drugs that help to reduce the amount of water in the body. They are sometimes called water pills.
Diuretics are used to treat the buildup of excess fluid in the body. Medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances can cause fluid to accumulate and tissues to swell (edema). Certain medications can also cause water retention. When there is too much fluid in the body, blood pressure increases and the heart must work harder to pump. Therefore, diuretics are also often the first drug prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). They are the least expensive drug that effectively treats hypertension in many people.
When blood enters the kidney, water, waste products, and dissolved charged particles (ions) such as sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are filtered out of the blood and into special tubules in the kidneys. As they travel through these tubules, some water and particles are reabsorbed, and the rest are excreted as urine. In general, diuretics work by increasing the amount of ions and water that are excreted, thus increasing urine output ...
... and reducing the fluid load of the body. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure and reduces tissue swelling so that the heart does not have to work as hard.
Diuretics also may be used in surgery to reduce blood pressure and swelling. For example, mannitol, an osmotic diuretic, may be used to reduce swelling in the brain in some neurosurgical procedures.
Diuretics drugs make some people feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when they get up after sitting or lying down. Older people are especially likely to have this problem. Drinking alcohol, exercising, standing for long periods, or being outdoors in hot weather may make the problem worse. To lessen this problem, a person should get up gradually and hold onto something for support if possible. The patient should avoid or limit the amount of alcohol he or she drinks and be careful in hot weather or when exercising or standing for a long time.
People who take a diuretic should tell the health-care professional before having surgical or dental procedures, medical tests, or emergency treatment.People who have certain medical conditions or who are taking certain other drugs may encounter problems if they take diuretics. Before taking diuretic drugs, they should be sure to let the physician know about these conditions.
ALLERGIES Anyone who has had unusual reactions to diuretics or sulfonamides (sulfa drugs) in the past should let the physician know. The physician should also be told about any allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances.
PREGNANCY Diuretics will not help the swelling of hands and feet that some women experience during pregnancy. Pregnant women should not use diuretics unless prescribed by their obstetrician or other physician. Although studies have not been done on pregnant women, studies of laboratory animals show that some diuretics can cause harmful effects when taken during pregnancy.
BREASTFEEDING Some diuretics pass into breast milk, but no reports exist of problems in nursing babies whose mothers use this medicine. However, thiazide diuretics may decrease the flow of breast milk. Women who are breastfeeding and need to use a diuretic should check with the physician.
OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS Side effects of some diuretics may be more likely in people who have had a recent heart attack or who have liver disease or severe kidney (renal) disease. Other types of diuretics may not work properly in people with liver disease or kidney disease. Diuretics may worsen certain medical conditions such as gout, kidney stones, pancreatitis, lupus erythematosus, and hearing problems. In addition, people with diabetes should be aware that a diuretic may increase blood sugar levels. People with heart or blood vessel disease should know that some diuretics increase cholesterol or triglyceride levels. The risk of an allergic reaction to certain diuretics is greater in people with bronchial asthma. Before using diuretics, people with any of these medical conditions should make their physicians aware of their medical history. Also, people who have trouble urinating or who have high blood levels of potassium may not be able to take diuretics and should discuss these conditions with their physician before using them.