Diuretics are medications that help your body get rid of excess water and salt. Diuretics can help you manage different conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, swollen tissues, and edema.
Also known as water pills, diuretics can ease these conditions because they help your body dispose of extra fluid and sodium that accumulates because of weakened blood vessels or because some organs, like the heart and the kidneys, are not working properly.
There are different types of diuretics, and most of them are available by prescription. But there are some diuretics options that you can get over the counter (OTC). These are generally weaker than their prescription counterparts.
OTC diuretics
Diuretics are a type of medication prescribed to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and swollen tissues (edema). The diuretics used to treat these conditions are usually prescribed by a healthcare professional.
But OTC diuretics can help you get rid of excess water and salt, which accumulates because of bloating, water weight gain, or swelling during menstruation.
The most common OTC diuretic is called pamabrom (Diurex). It works by increasing urination.
Compared with prescription diuretics, Diurex is weaker, which means that it doesn’t dispose of as much excess water and salt as prescription diuretics.
Diurex usually comes in capsules of 50 milligrams (mg). Healthcare experts recommend you take it with a full glass of water, and to keep hydrated throughout the day.
Diurex doesn’t have any significant side effects except for turning your pee a darker color, which is normal when taking this medication.
Keep in mind that Diurex should be used as a short-term treatment for bloating. If your symptoms persist, you should seek a professional to prescribe you medications.
There are also natural diuretics, such as:
- Coffee: Some research finds that coffee with a high caffeine content may have a diuretic effect.
- Green tea: A 2022 research review notes that green tea may have a diuretic effect as strong as a diuretic medication, alongside other health benefits.
- Asparagus: A 2023 literature review notes that asparagus roots may have diuretic properties with no side effects.
Diuretic side effects
OTC diuretics like Diurex have very few side effects, except for turning your urine a darker golden color if taken short term.
Prescription diuretics can cause more side effects. Whether you’re taking OTC diuretics or prescription diuretics, check with a healthcare professional before taking them in case you’re allergic to them and to ensure you take them for the right amount of time.
Common side effects of diuretics include:
- headache and dizziness
- tiredness
- weakness
- allergic reactions
- upset stomach
- gout
- low potassium levels
- low sodium levels
- increased cholesterol and blood sugar
These medications can also cause serious side effects like an irregular heartbeat or kidney failure in some people.
Prescription options
There are several diuretic options that are prescribed to treat conditions like heart failure, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
Types of prescription diuretics include:
Loop diuretics
Loop diuretics increase the amount of salt and water you pee out. They can help reduce edema or water retention, lower blood pressure, and treat heart failure.
The most commonly used loop diuretics include:
- furosemide (Lasix)
- torsemide (Demandex, SOAANZ)
- bumetanide (Bumex)
- ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
Potassium-sparing diuretics
Potassium-sparing diuretics help increase urination but won’t get rid of potassium. That is, potassium-sparing diuretics can help lower blood pressure but maintain a person’s blood potassium level.
If potassium levels drop too low, it can lead to irregular heartbeat.
Common potassium-sparing diuretics include:
- amiloride (Midamar)
- spironolactone (Aldactone)
- triamterene (Dyrenium)
- eplerenone (Inspra)
Thiazide diuretics
Thiazide diuretics block the reabsorption of sodium by the body. This helps to lower the amount of water and sodium in your body. Thiazide diuretics also help widen blood vessels to let blood flow more easily.
Common thiazide diuretics include:
- chlorthalidone (Hygroton)
- hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
- indapamide (Lozol)
- metolazone (Mykrox)
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