{"id":351,"date":"2022-09-30T09:02:34","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T09:02:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=351"},"modified":"2022-10-01T09:05:24","modified_gmt":"2022-10-01T09:05:24","slug":"reference-guide-to-diuretic-medications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/diuretic-medications\/reference-guide-to-diuretic-medications\/","title":{"rendered":"Reference Guide to Diuretic Medications (Water Pills)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diuretics, also called water pills, reduce sodium (salt) and water in your body.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>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.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>There are three types of diuretics that work through different mechanisms, including thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing diuretics.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diuretics are safe for most people to use and cause minimal side effects.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>BidRX can help you get the best price on diuretic medications.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>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.<br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h2>About Diuretic Medications<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diuretics can also be used to help treat:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Edema (swelling)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some kidney disorders, such as kidney stones<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Types of Diuretics<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are three common types of diuretics:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thiazide<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potassium-sparing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor may prescribe diuretics alongside other medications for the best treatment outcomes. Never combine diuretics with other medications without consulting your doctor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Thiazide Diuretics<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thiazide diuretics are the most commonly prescribed diuretic medication. They work directly on the kidneys to pull sodium and extra water into your urine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thiazide diuretics are typically used to treat high blood pressure. They are considered a relatively weak diuretic and can cause potassium loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of thiazide diuretics include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/chlorthalidone.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chlorthalidone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Thalitone, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hygroton<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/chlorothiazide-oral-injection.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chlorothiazide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Diuril, Diuril Sodium)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/hctz.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hydrochlorothiazide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Esidrix, Microzide, others)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/indapamide.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indapamide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Lozol)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/cdi\/methyclothiazide.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methyclothiazide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Enduron, Aquatensen)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/metolazone.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metolazone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Zaroxolyn, Mykrox)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Loop Diuretics<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-class\/loop-diuretics.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loop diuretics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loop diuretics are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of loop diuretics include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/bumetanide-oral-injection.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bumetanide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Bumex)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/ethacrynic-acid.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ethacrynic acid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Edecrin)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/furosemide.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furosemide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Lasix)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/torsemide.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Torsemide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Soaanz, Demadex)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Potassium-sparing Diuretics<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-class\/potassium-sparing-diuretics.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potassium-sparing diuretics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of potassium-sparing diuretics include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/amiloride.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiloride<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Midamor)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/eplerenone.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eplerenone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Inspra)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/spironolactone.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spironolactone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Aldactone, Carospir)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/triamterene.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Triamterene<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Dyrenium)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most potassium-sparing diuretics are safe to take alongside thiazide or loop diuretics.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Warnings and Contraindications \u2014 Diuretics<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-354\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2.jpeg-69.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor talking to her patient\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diuretics are generally considered safe for most people to use. However, they may not be safe for people with certain health conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to your doctor before taking a diuretic if you have any of the following conditions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent dehydration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gout<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lupus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Menstrual problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pancreatitis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulfonamide allergy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Side Effects and Complications \u2014 Diuretics<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019re worried about side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gout<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle cramps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased thirst<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased blood sugar<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased cholesterol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low potassium levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High potassium levels (when taking potassium-sparing diuretics)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low sodium levels<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects are rare, but include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reaction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irregular heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney failure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential serious complications include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hearing changes. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Neurological changes. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cardiovascular problems. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic excessive urination can cause dehydration. This can place you at greater risk for cardiovascular events, such as blood clots or stroke.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Drug Interactions \u2014 Diuretics<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cyclosporine (Restasis)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digoxin (Digox)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lithium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/blood-pressure-medications\/drug-reference-guide-blood-pressure-medications\/\">drugs<\/a> taken for high blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Other Considerations<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2>Herbal Diuretics<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Find the Best Prices for Diuretic Medications with BidRx<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-353\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3.jpeg-67.jpg\" alt=\"Holding a cell phone\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>How BidRx Works<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to get the lowest price? Once you\u2019ve signed up, you can create a bid for your prescription, then sit back while pharmacies compete for your bid. After you\u2019ve chosen your pharmacy, you can pick your prescription up locally or have it delivered to your door.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compare prices online to get the best price for your diuretic medication. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create your bid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights\u00a0 Diuretics, also called water pills, reduce sodium (salt) and water in your body. Diuretic&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":352,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-351","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diuretic-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/351","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=351"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/351\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":358,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/351\/revisions\/358"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/352"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=351"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=351"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=351"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}