Diuretic Drugs

Diuretic Drugs
A class of drugs, named diuretic drugs is used to get rid of excess water in the body. Know more on diuretic drugs, their types, uses etc, in this article.

Diuresis is a condition in which body loses water through excess urination. Diabetes mellitus is a disease which causes diuresis. However, there are certain other diseases in which the fluid retention in body becomes a problem. In such cases, body must lose excess water and fluid content. Losing of water is recommended in cases of hypertension, congestive heart failure, kidney diseases etc. Diuretic drugs or 'water pills' are mainly used for the purpose of elimination of water from the body. Diuretic drugs prevent the reabsorption of certain substances like sodium, chlorine, so that these substances are eliminated along with excess water.

Types of Diuretic Drugs
Different diuretic drugs have different working mechanism. Some diuretic drugs impede the kidney's ability to absorb sodium, which leads to loss of sodium through the urine. However, water is required to eliminate sodium from the body, hence loss of sodium also results in loss of water. This types of diuretic drugs are known as high ceiling diuretics or loop diuretic drugs. The second category of diuretic drugs, known as thiazide diuretics wok by eliminating sodium, as well as chlorine, along with lots of water. Potassium sparing diuretics are the type of diuretic drugs which block the exchange of sodium for potassium. Due to this mechanism, some amount of potassium is retained, hence the name.

Uses of Diuretic Drugs
Diuretic drugs may be recommended as a single acting drug or in combination with other diuretic drugs. Although, the purpose of all diuretics is same, that is expulsion of water from body, the choice of diuretic is greatly influenced by the underlying medical disorder. For instance, patients suffering from congestive heart failure are often prescribed loop diuretics. The reason is that loop diuretics are very powerful and offer maximum water loss. The reduction of fluid in blood, reduces pressure on the heart, so that its efficiency of pumping blood is increased. However, these drugs do little to lower blood pressure. In that case, thiazide diuretics are more effective hypertension medications. They bring about the loss of sodium, chlorine and water which helps in lowering of blood pressure. Thus, thiazide are the most recommended diuretic drugs for hypertension. Potassium sparing diuretics are helpful for congestive heart failure patients. However, these drugs are to be given in combination with loop diuretics and thiazide diuretics.

Diuretic Drugs List
The most popular diuretic drugs names include-
• Loop Diuretics: Bumetanide (Bumex) and Furosemide (Lasix)
• Thiazide Diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL, Esidrix), Chlorothiazide (Diuril) and Chlorthalidone (Hygroton).
• Potassium Sparing Diuretics: Amiloride (Midamor) and Triamterene (Dyrenium).
• Combination Diuretics: Dyazide and Maxzide (combination of Thiazide Diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide and Potassium sparing Diuretic Triamterene).
Side Effects of Diuretic Drugs
The most obvious side effect of diuretic drugs is frequent urination. The loss of electrolytes such as sodium, chlorine results in electrolyte imbalance in the body. It also results in extreme weakness, fatigue, dehydration, excessive thirst etc. Blurred vision, confusion are some other side effects of diuretic drugs. Other diuretics side effects include fever, sore throat, cough, ringing in the ears, unusual bleeding or bruising, rapid and excessive weight loss etc. In rare cases, skin rash may develop. Loss of potassium may result in loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or muscle cramps. In certain rare cases, potassium sparing diuretics may induce breast enlargement in men and women alike. Irregular menses, excess growth of hair are some other side effects of potassium sparing diuretics.

Diuretic drugs should be strictly taken under the guidance of a medical practitioner only. Your body may take a little while to get used to these drugs. If you experience any of the above side effects, call your doctor right away.