Diuretics

Diuretics cause your kidneys to remove sodium and water. They also relax the blood vessel walls. These things can help lower your blood pressure, which reduces your risk of a heart attack and stroke. Lowering your blood pressure also reduces your risk of kidney disease.

Diuretics are also used to treat conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, and liver disease. They can help relieve symptoms caused by fluid buildup, such as swelling.

Here are some examples of diuretics.

• bumetanide
• chlorthalidone
• furosemide
• hydrochlorothiazide
• torsemide

Some diuretics can cause low levels of potassium. A delicate balance of potassium is needed to properly transmit electrical impulses in the heart. A low potassium level can disrupt the normal electrical impulses in the heart and lead to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). If potassium levels are low, a potassium supplement may be prescribed.

Do not start taking potassium supplements on your own. Talk with your doctor first to make sure it is safe for you.

If you take potassium supplements, tell your doctor if you also use a salt substitute that contains potassium. You may need to stop using that salt substitute, because you will get too much potassium. Too much potassium can cause problems.

Potassium supplements are available in liquid, tablet, powder, and effervescent tablet forms.

Blood tests to check for low potassium levels (hypokalemia) are often done during diuretic therapy.

There are some common side effects. They include:

• Low levels of potassium.
• Feeling dizzy.
• A rash.
• Urinating a lot.

You may have other side effects. Check the information that comes with your medicine.

• You may need to take potassium pills. Ask your doctor about this.
• You may need blood tests to check on your health. For example, you may have tests to check your kidneys and your potassium level.
• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• You may feel more tired or need to urinate more often when you start to take this medicine. These effects tend to occur less after you've taken it for a while. If the increase in urine gets in the way of your sleep or daily routine, talk to your doctor. Ask for help planning a schedule for taking the medicine.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you use any other medicines. This includes over-the-counter medicines. Make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you take. Taking some medicines together can cause problems.