DIURETICS
 

Diuretics are often known by patients as “water pills”.  This type of medication helps to eliminate excess fluid from the body.  The kidneys excrete more urine and increase the body’s excretion of sodium, chloride, and potassium.

Diuretics are used to decrease both pulmonary and peripheral edema.   Another use for diuretics is in the treatment of hypertension as they dilate the blood vessels.  As with most medications diuretics should be taken as ordered and doses should not be skipped.  Often patients are told to report increases in weight to their physician.

Potential side effects include:  dizziness, severe leg cramps, hyperglycemia, high cholesterol levels, and decreased potassium levels.  Sometimes patients that are taking diuretics are also placed on potassium replacement medication.

Examples of diuretics include:  Furosemide (Lasix), Bumex, and Hydrochlorthiazide (HCTZ).

*Information for this web page was obtained in part from the web site heartfailure.org