What you need to know if you’ve been prescribed diuretics for high blood pressure or another chronic condition.

What are diuretic medications and who should take them? 

Also known as water pills, diuretic medications help your body get rid of sodium and water. They do so by diminishing sodium reabsorption in different areas of the nephrons, which are the filtering units found in the kidneys. 

The amount of fluid (water) in the body is controlled by the kidneys, which also regulate the retention and elimination of sodium and chloride. When sodium and chloride are eliminated from the body, water is also eliminated. Conversely, when sodium and chloride are retained by the body, so is water.

As your body flushes out more water, it decreases the amount of fluid found in the veins, which helps the blood move more freely. This is why diuretic medications are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, although they do have other uses. 

So, who should take diuretic medications? Doctors may prescribe them to people who suffer from: 

• Edema
• High blood pressure 
• Heart failure 
• Glaucoma 
• Kidney problems 
• Liver problems 

Different types of diuretic medications

There are three different types of diuretic medications, all of which cause the body to release more fluids through excess urine. Each class of diuretic promotes sodium loss at a different part of the kidneys. Depending on the type of treatment prescribed, you may be required to take more than one type of diuretic. 

Thiazide

The most-prescribed type of diuretic is known as thiazide. It’s used to combat high blood pressure and can be taken for an extended period. Thiazides help relieve hypertension by decreasing fluids in the body and causing blood vessels to relax. Examples of thiazide diuretics include:

• Chlorthalidone
• Metolazone
• Indapamide
• Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)

Loop

Loops are a stronger form of diuretic medication typically prescribed to treat conditions such as heart failure. Given their potency, they are commonly used in emergencies. Examples of loop diuretics include: 

• Bumetanide
• Furosemide (Lasix)
• Torsemide (Demadex)

Potassium-sparing

Diuretic medications cause individuals to lose water and sodium, but also other important nutrients such as potassium. A lack of potassium can lead to other adverse health issues such as arrhythmia. Therefore, potassium-sparing diuretics are prescribed to patients with low levels of potassium. Examples of potassium-sparing diuretics include: 

• Amiloride
• Eplerenone (Inspra)
• Triamterene (Dyrenium)
• Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Before you start taking any of these diuretic medications, let your doctor know whether you suffer from any other conditions that could interfere with these drugs, such as gout, lupus, diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, or kidney disease. 

How to take diuretic medications

Depending on your condition, your doctor will prescribe a certain number of doses per day. Bear in mind that this medication will make you need to urinate more frequently, so expect to go to the bathroom more often for several hours after taking the medication. 

It’s best to take your first dose as soon as you wake up. If your doctor has prescribed more than one dose per day, take your second pill around 4 p.m. so you can sleep through the night without having to go to the bathroom. 

Similarly, make sure to drink plenty of fluids as dehydration is one of the most common side effects of diuretic medications. If your urine is a deep yellow color, you feel constipated, and/or experience extreme thirst or tiredness, these are tell-tale signs that you aren’t drinking enough water. 

Remember to always read the directions carefully and monitor any changes in your weight. If you gain or lose more than 5 pounds in a week, or 3 pounds in a day, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately. 

Are there any foods or drugs to avoid on diuretic medications?

Yes, you should always inform your doctor of any medications you are taking before you begin your course of diuretic medications. This includes herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Drugs that may potentially interfere with diuretic medications include: 

• Lithium 
• Digoxin 
• Cyclosporine (Restasis)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• Other medications for high blood pressure 

Your doctor may also suggest that you avoid certain foods or follow a specific diet. More specifically, they could recommend a low-sodium or high-potassium diet. Alternatively, they may ask you to avoid potassium-rich foods. 

Potential risks of diuretic medications 

As with any type of drug, diuretic medications can have adverse side effects. More specifically, you may experience: 

• Gout 
• Thirst 
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness 
• Headache 
• Skin rash 
• Impotence 
• Dehydration 
• Muscle cramps 
• High blood sugar 
• High cholesterol
• High potassium levels
• Low potassium levels
• Low sodium levels 

More serious side effects include: 

• Fever 
• Vomiting 
• Confusion 
• Blurred vision
• Increased sweating 
• Loss of appetite 
• Rapid weight gain 
• Rapid weight loss 
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising 

If you experience any serious side effects for an extended period, make sure to reach out to a doctor as quickly as possible. They may adjust your dosage or change your course of treatment altogether. 

Natural diuretics 

There are a few plants that act as natural diuretics. However, these should not be used to replace any type of prescription drug. Examples of natural diuretics include: 

• Parsley 
• Green tea 
• Black tea 
• Hawthorn 

Dealing with the cost of diuretic medications

Dealing with the pricing of diuretic medications can take a serious toll on your finances. As the cost of living rises and inflation soars, the last thing you want to sacrifice is your physical health. Thankfully, you won’t have to. ModRN Health is committed to helping patients across the United States save money on their diuretic medications. 

We offer a free, easy-to-use price comparison tool that helps you scope out the best deals in your area. It can help save up to 80% on your medications. Best of all, it's incredibly simple to use. Just open a free account today, start comparing prices, download your voucher, and hand it over to your local pharmacist. It’s just that simple.

And the benefits don’t stop there. You earn valuable reward points when you refer friends or family members to the program. Plus, you can opt-in to SMS or email reminders so you’ll always know when it’s time to refill your prescription. This way, you’ll make sure you’re benefiting from the best prices, every single time. What are you waiting for? Join the ModRN Health movement today.