Heart Disease: Heart Disease Medicine: Diuretics

Sometimes diuretics are used as heart disease treatment. Diuretics, commonly known as "water pills," help your body get rid of unneeded water and salt through the urine. Getting rid of excess fluid makes it easier for your heart to pump and controls blood pressure.  Examples of diuretics include:

• Lasix (furosemide)
• Bumex (bumetanide)
• Demadex (torsemide)
• Esidrix (hydrochlorothiazide)
• Zaroxolyn (metolazone)
• Aldactone (spironolactone)

Diuretics are categorized as thiazide-like (Zaroxolyn and Esidrix), loop (Lasix, Bumex, Demadex) or potassium sparing (Aldactone). Thiazide diuretics cause moderate increases in water excretion and are appropriate for long-term use. Loop diuretics are more powerful and are especially useful in emergencies. Potassium-sparing diuretics help your body retain the mineral potassium and are often prescribed in conjunction with the other two types of diuretics. Some diuretics are a combination of potassium-sparing and thiazide diuretics.

Who Should Take Diuretics?

If you have any of the following conditions, your doctor may recommend you take a diuretic.

• Edema. Diuretics decrease swelling (edema) that usually occurs in the legs.
• High blood pressure. Diuretics lower blood pressure, which substantially reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
• Heart failure . Diuretics reduce the swelling (edema) and water build up in the lungs (congestion) caused by heart failure.
• Kidney problems. Diuretics reduce water retention.
• Liver problems. Diuretics reduce the amount of fluid build up associated with cirrhosis (disease of the liver).
• Glaucoma. Diuretics reduce the pressure in the eye associated with this disease.

How Should I Take Diuretics?

Before this medication is prescribed, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or gout.

Follow the label directions on how often you should take the diuretic. If you are taking a single dose a day, take it in the morning with your breakfast or right after eating your breakfast. If you are taking more than one dose a day, take the last dose no later than 4 p.m.

The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and how long you need to take the medication will depend on the type of diuretic prescribed, as well as your condition.

Weigh yourself at the same time every day (on the same scale) and record your weight. Call your doctor if you gain three pounds in one day or five pounds in one week.

While taking this medication, have your blood pressure and kidney function tested regularly, as advised by your doctor. These tests are important because diuretics can change your blood potassium and magnesium levels.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that your response to this medication can be monitored.