Examples
Thiazide diuretics
|
| Clorpres, Tenoretic, Thalitone | chlorthalidone and chlorthalidone combinations |
| Capozide, Dyazide, Hyzaar, Lopressor HCT, Maxzide, Prinzide | hydrochlorothiazide and hydrochlorothiazide combinations |
Loop diuretics
|
| bumetanide | |
| Lasix | furosemide |
| Demadex | torsemide |
Potassium-sparing diuretics
|
| amiloride and amiloride combinations | |
| Aldactazide, Aldactone | spironolactone and spironolactone combinations |
| Dyazide, Maxzide | triamterene and triamterene combinations |
Quinazoline diuretics
How It Works
Diuretics cause the kidneys to remove
more
and water from the body, which helps to relax
the blood vessel walls, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Diuretics
often are combined with other
medicines. Some of the brand names
listed here are a combination of a diuretic and another medicine. Using both a
diuretic and another medicine often works well, because diuretics can enhance
the effect of the other medicines and sometimes prevent the fluid retention
that can occur.
Potassium-sparing diuretics, unlike most other
diuretics, do not cause potassium levels to drop. Rather, they may lead to high
potassium levels.
Why It Is Used
Thiazide diuretics are recommended as the
first line of treatment for high blood pressure. They are usually recommended
as one of at least two medicines to control high blood pressure.
Quinazoline diuretics are similar to the thiazide diuretics, but are used only in certain people such as those with kidney problems and when other diuretics have not worked.
Loop
diuretics are prescribed for people who also have
, kidney problems, or swelling in their
legs (edema). But they are rarely prescribed for people who have high blood
pressure alone.
Potassium-sparing diuretics might be used, along with other diuretics, if you have low potassium levels.
How Well It Works
Diuretics lower blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, they help lower the risk for heart
disease,
, and
.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.