Common Side Effects Of Diuretics

Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, are prescription medications that remove excess salt and water from the body by increasing urinary output. Diuretics are typically used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, and glaucoma. Before prescribing a diuretic, doctors will ask the patient about their medical history. Diuretics may need to be prescribed with caution in patients who have conditions such as lupus, diabetes, gout, pancreatitis, or kidney disease. Due to the risk of possible drug interactions, patients should let their doctor know if they are taking lithium, digoxin, cyclosporine, antidepressants, or medications to treat high blood pressure. Many patients take diuretics on a long-term basis, and the medicine is generally well tolerated.