Heart Disease Health Center

Heart Disease and Diuretics

What Foods or Drugs Interact With Diuretics?

To avoid harmful drug interactions, tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medications you are taking, including herbal preparations, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and nutritionsupplements.

Diuretics are often prescribed in combination with other drugs. If you experience an increase in side effects after taking your medications together, contact your doctor. You may need to change the times you are taking each medication.

Before a diuretic is prescribed, tell your doctor if you are taking other medications for high blood pressure, digoxin, indomethacin, probenecid, or corticosteroids (prednisone).

Some diuretics may require you to avoid or include certain foods in your diet. Follow your doctor's advice, which may include:

• Following a low-salt diet.
• Taking a potassium supplement or including high-potassium foods such as bananas and orange juice if you are losing potassium. Talk to your doctor about your level of potassium intake.

Can Pregnant Women Take Diuretics?

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking a diuretic.

Can Breastfeeding Women Take Diuretics?

Most diuretics are compatible with breastfeeding, with some precautions; talk to your doctor.

Can Children Take Diuretics?

Children can safely take diuretics. The side effects are similar to those in adults. Children require smaller doses of the drug.