Highlights
- Diuretics, also called water pills, reduce sodium (salt) and water in your body.
- Diuretic medications are most often used to treat high blood pressure, but they can also be used to help manage conditions like heart and liver failure.
- There are three types of diuretics that work through different mechanisms, including thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing diuretics.
- Diuretics are safe for most people to use and cause minimal side effects.
- BidRX can help you get the best price on diuretic medications.
Diuretic medications can be used to treat high blood pressure and other serious health conditions, like liver failure. The right diuretic for you will depend on your condition, health history, and other personal risk factors.
About Diuretic Medications
Diuretic medications are sometimes called water pills. These medications help to move fluid and sodium (salt) out of your body. Diuretics are most commonly used to treat high blood pressure.
Diuretics can also be used to help treat:
- Edema (swelling)
- Heart failure
- Liver failure
- Some kidney disorders, such as kidney stones
Most diuretics work by helping your kidneys to release more sodium in your urine. Sodium helps to remove water from your blood, which reduces fluid within your bloodstream. This results in lower blood pressure.
Types of Diuretics
There are three common types of diuretics:
- Thiazide
- Loop
- Potassium-sparing
Each diuretic type will affect a different part of your kidneys. The mechanism of action affects the potency of the diuretic medication. The best diuretic for you will depend on the condition being treated and your personal health history.
Your doctor may prescribe diuretics alongside other medications for the best treatment outcomes. Never combine diuretics with other medications without consulting your doctor.
Thiazide Diuretics
Thiazide diuretics are the most commonly prescribed diuretic medication. They work directly on the kidneys to pull sodium and extra water into your urine.
Thiazide diuretics are typically used to treat high blood pressure. They are considered a relatively weak diuretic and can cause potassium loss.
Examples of thiazide diuretics include:
- Chlorthalidone (Thalitone, Hygroton)
- Chlorothiazide (Diuril, Diuril Sodium)
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, Microzide, others)
- Indapamide (Lozol)
- Methyclothiazide (Enduron, Aquatensen)
- Metolazone (Zaroxolyn, Mykrox)
Loop Diuretics
Loop diuretics are a potent diuretic medication. These diuretics act directly on the loop of Henle, a specific section of the kidney, to rid your body of salt and excess fluid. They also reduce the reabsorption of calcium and magnesium.
Loop diuretics are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.
Examples of loop diuretics include:
- Bumetanide (Bumex)
- Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Torsemide (Soaanz, Demadex)
Potassium-sparing Diuretics
Potassium-sparing diuretics are a diuretic medication that can be taken without losing too much potassium. These diuretics work by interfering with the sodium-potassium exchange in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidneys. Some work as an antagonist at the aldosterone receptor.
Potassium-sparing diuretics are considered weak diuretic medications that do not cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Taking potassium-sparing diuretics with other drugs that help you to retain potassium may cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
Examples of potassium-sparing diuretics include:
- Amiloride (Midamor)
- Eplerenone (Inspra)
- Spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir)
- Triamterene (Dyrenium)
Most potassium-sparing diuretics are safe to take alongside thiazide or loop diuretics.
Warnings and Contraindications — Diuretics
Diuretics are generally considered safe for most people to use. However, they may not be safe for people with certain health conditions.
Talk to your doctor before taking a diuretic if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Frequent dehydration
- Gout
- Kidney problems
- Lupus
- Menstrual problems
- Pancreatitis
- Sulfonamide allergy
Side Effects and Complications — Diuretics
Most people can take diuretic medications without serious side effects. You should always take diuretics exactly as prescribed and reach out to your doctor if you’re worried about side effects.
Potential side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Excessive urination
- Headaches
- Gout
- Muscle cramps
- Skin rash
- Increased thirst
- Increased blood sugar
- Increased cholesterol
- Low potassium levels
- High potassium levels (when taking potassium-sparing diuretics)
- Low sodium levels
Serious side effects are rare, but include:
- Allergic reaction
- Irregular heartbeat
- Kidney failure
Potential serious complications include:
- Hearing changes. Some people have reported tinnitus or hearing impairment after taking loop diuretics. However, this was specific to loop diuretics administered intravenously, people who have kidney disease, people who have low protein levels, or people who were using other medications that affect hearing.
- Neurological changes. People who are already electrolyte depleted and who have liver disease may be at an increased risk for severe neurological changes when taking loop diuretics.
- Cardiovascular problems. Chronic excessive urination can cause dehydration. This can place you at greater risk for cardiovascular events, such as blood clots or stroke.
Drug Interactions — Diuretics
Talk to your doctor about potential drug interactions prior to using diuretic medications. Most diuretics can be used safely with other drugs, but interactions have been reported with:
- Antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
- Cyclosporine (Restasis)
- Digoxin (Digox)
- Lithium
- Other drugs taken for high blood pressure
Other Considerations
Diuretics are typically prescribed as oral pills to be taken once or twice per day. They should be taken at the same time each day. Some people may require diuretics through intravenous administration.
Herbal Diuretics
There are several herbs, plants, and herbal products marketed as natural diuretics. You should never use a natural diuretic as a replacement for your prescription medication. Talk to your doctor before using any herbs, plants, or herbal products as diuretics.
Find the Best Prices for Diuretic Medications with BidRx
Most people find diuretic medications to be safe and easy to use. Your doctor can help you select the best diuretic medication for your health condition, and BidRx can help you get the best price for your medication today.
How BidRx Works
BidRx allows you to get the lowest prices for your medications from a variety of retailers. We invite pharmacies to compete for your prescription, so you can choose between local drug stores, online, mail-order, and specialty service pharmacies.
Ready to get the lowest price? Once you’ve signed up, you can create a bid for your prescription, then sit back while pharmacies compete for your bid. After you’ve chosen your pharmacy, you can pick your prescription up locally or have it delivered to your door.
Compare prices online to get the best price for your diuretic medication. Create your bid today!
