Good for the elderly
The more common side effects of diuretics include: too little potassium in the blood. too much potassium in the blood (for potassium-sparing diuretics) low sodium levels. headache . dizziness . thirst . increased blood sugar. muscle cramps .
Side effects Diuretics are generally safe. Side effects include increased urination and sodium loss. Diuretics can also affect blood potassium levels. If you take a thiazide diuretic , your potassium level can drop too low (hypokalemia), which can cause life-threatening problems with your heartbeat.
Diuretics . Doctors use these medicines, also known as water pills , to treat high blood pressure and some kinds of swelling. They help your body get rid of extra fluid . But they can sometimes dehydrate you, which can be bad for your kidneys .
The effect will last for about 6 hours so if you are taking the tablets twice a day make sure you take the last dose in the afternoon at least 8 hours before going to bed.
Diuretic resistance is a significant problem in patients with advanced HF. The inability to relieve congestive symptoms leads to increased hospitalizations, ED visits, increased costs of care and worsening quality of life.
Loop diuretics are the most potent diuretics as they increase the elimination of sodium and chloride by primarily preventing reabsorption of sodium and chloride .
Diuretics. Water pills like hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide , used for high blood pressure and edema, can cause dehydration and can also lead to swelling and inflammation of the kidneys .
Description of the intervention Commonly used thiazide diuretics include chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide and metolazone. Bumetanide, furosemide and torsemide are frequently used loop diuretics . Frequently‐administered potassium‐sparing diuretics are triamterene, amiloride, spironolactone and eplerenone.
Because diuretics make you urinate more often, these drugs can cause constipation. Remedies for heartburn and indigestion often contain aluminum, which can slow down your system and cause constipation.
Signs and symptoms of acute kidney failure may include: Decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal. Fluid retention, causing swelling in your legs, ankles or feet. Shortness of breath .
Which Drugs are Harmful to Your Kidneys? Pain Medications. Your kidneys could be damaged if you take large amounts of over-the-counter medications , such as aspirin , naproxen and ibuprofen . Alcohol. Antibiotics . Prescription Laxatives . Contrast Dye (used in some diagnostic tests such as MRIs) Illegal Drugs. What should you do?
5 Drugs You May Need to Avoid or Adjust if You Have Kidney Cholesterol medications . The dosing of certain cholesterol medications , known as ” statins “, may need to be adjusted if you have chronic kidney disease. Pain medications . Anti-microbial meds. Diabetes medications. Upset stomach/antacid medications.
One is to gradually reduce the dose to nothing. The other (and better way) is to place the patient on a low sodium diet so that only a small amount of sodium can be retained when diuretic treatment is stopped . Many patients are being unnecessarily treated with diuretics , which are not without adverse effects.
Not surprisingly, one of the most common side effects of taking water pills is frequent urination. Other possible side effects include lightheadedness, fatigue , bowel changes, and muscle cramps.
If you ‘re ill with a fever (a high temperature above 38C), sweats and shaking, being sick (vomiting) or have severe diarrhoea, contact your doctor as you may need to stop taking furosemide for 1 to 2 days until you are better.