MHVI Owners Manual . Medications . Diuretics

Names for Thiazide Diuretics
chlorothiazide (Diurigen, Diuril)
chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone)
hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, Hydrodiuril, Oretic, Microzide, others)
hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone (Aldactazide, Spirozide)
hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene (Dyazide, Maxzide)
hydroflumethiazide (Diucardin)
methyclothiazide (Aquatensen, Enduron)
metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn)

Names for Loop Diuretics
bumetanide (Bumex)
furosemide (Lasix, Myrosemide)
torsemide (Demadex)

Names for Potassium Sparing Diuretics
amiloride (Midamor)
spironolactone (Aldactone, Novospiroton,Sincomen)
triamterene (Dyrenium)

Q. Why has my doctor prescribed this type of medication?
A. Diuretics are used to treat:

Diuretics work by causing the kidneys to excrete unneeded water and salt into the urine. Therefore, diuretics are often referred to as "water pills."

Q. Are there any special precautions that I need to be aware of before I start this type of medication?
A. Please carefully review the general guidelines in this section. Talk with your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist. Tell them if you:

Are taking any other medication, prescription or non-prescription, including vitamins and herbs. Be especially sure to report if you are on lithium, sleeping pills or other medication to treat arthritis or high blood pressure.
Have diseases of the liver or kidneys, diabetes or gout
Are allergic to sulfa drugs

Please review the Guidelines for Taking Your Medications in this section in the manual. Following these recommendations will help ensure you get the maximum benefit from your medications. Remember to check with your doctor if you have questions about the drugs you are taking.

Q. What is the proper way to take these medications?
A. Follow these guidelines:

Take your diuretic in the morning and, if twice a day, again in the mid to late afternoon to avoid having to get up as often at night to urinate.
Follow a diet that is low in salt.
Weigh yourself several times a week. If you find you are gaining or losing weight rapidly, notify your doctor.
Remember that these medications treat and help control your high blood pressure or heart failure, but they are not a cure. You must continue to take your medication exactly as your doctor prescribed, even if you feel well.

Q. What are the possible side effects of this type of medication?
A. In general, diuretics do not produce many side effects. Some you may experience include frequent urination, dizziness on standing, thirst and weakness. If you experience a sore throat, bruising or skin rash, contact your doctor immediately.

Diuretics can cause you to lose potassium. When your potassium level is low, you may feel more tired. Low potassium can also cause muscle cramping or abnormal heart rhythms. It is important to have your blood level of potassium checked on a regular basis to make sure that it is within normal limits. Your doctor may ask you to take a potassium supplement.

Although most diuretics can cause your potassium level to be too low, potassium sparing diuretics listed above can cause your potassium level to be too high.