Diuretics are used to remove excess water from the body, cleanse it and normalize the acid-base balance. They are also called diuretics. Both synthetic and plant-based preparations are produced. Prescribed for hypertension, heart, kidney and liver diseases, which are accompanied by edema.
Diuretics - what are they?
Diuretics are medications designed to remove fluids from the body through urine. Their effect is that they can slow down the absorption of salts and water in the renal tubules, increase the formation and rate of urine output. This helps reduce fluid content in tissues and relieve swelling.Diuretics have the following effects:
- After a hypertensive patient takes a diuretic, sodium salts are retained in the body, excess water is removed, after some time the pressure becomes normal and remains for a long time.
- Thanks to the use of diuretics, it is possible to normalize fundus pressure, as well as intracranial pressure.
- They can inhibit the action of neurons, thereby preventing epilepsy attacks.
- Some drugs act as protectors and become a kind of protection for the kidneys and. Others can relax the muscles of the muscles, thereby relieving spasms in them.
- They reduce calcium levels in the blood, but retain magnesium. This improves microcirculation in the kidneys and relieves the load on the left ventricle of the heart, protecting the organs from complications.
- They can alleviate the condition of a patient who has been poisoned by toxic substances.
Classifications of diuretics
All diuretics are classified. They are divided depending on their origin. They can be:
- Chemical . Available in the form of tablets and powders, solutions for intravenous administration.
- Natural origin . Herbs, herbal teas, and food products are used for diuretic purposes.
- Potent drugs , necessary for providing emergency assistance, lowering blood pressure. They are mainly used once.
- Medium strength , which have a long-term effect, are part of therapy in the treatment of internal organs - kidneys, heart. They are used in courses.
- Weak drugs , controlling fluid accumulation, but preserving potassium in the body.
Thiazide diuretics
Thiazide drugs are one of the most common types. They are most often prescribed by attending physicians. The therapeutic effect begins to be observed after a few hours, as they are quickly absorbed in the intestine and are well tolerated by patients.Thiazide diuretics may affect the distal tubules of the kidneys, resulting in the following:
- Reabsorption (reabsorption) of chlorine and sodium is suppressed.
- The excretion of potassium and magnesium increases.
- The secretion of uric acid and the excretion of calcium ions and urine are reduced.
- congestive heart failure;
- essential hypertension;
- kidney and liver diseases;
- glaucoma and so on.
- Indapamide;
- Indap;
- Metolazone;
- Klopamide;
- Chlorthalidone.
To reduce dose-related side effects, thiazide diuretics are prescribed together with loop diuretics.
Potassium-sparing diuretics
Drugs that promote potassium retention in the body are called potassium-sparing diuretics. They are often used in combination with other drugs to enhance the effects of medications and conserve potassium. They lower systolic blood pressure.
They are prescribed for the following symptoms:
- heart failure;
- potassium-sparing diuretic therapy;
- the appearance of edema (see also -).
- Veroshpiron;
- Spironolactone;
- Aldactone.
To avoid such hormone-related side effects, you can take Amiloride and Triampur. They affect everyone equally. At the level of the distal tubules, potassium is inhibited and magnesium is removed from the body. Therefore, these drugs produce a potassium-sparing effect. But they also have side effects - when they are taken, hyperkalemia occurs. Potassium passes from the cells into the blood. Its increase in large quantities can cause cardiac arrest or lead to muscle paralysis.
It is especially dangerous to prescribe these drugs to patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and renal failure. These medications should not be taken without the supervision of a physician and the dose should not be increased independently.
What are loop diuretics?
The most powerful diuretics are loop diuretics. The renal tubule, which is loop-shaped and directed towards the center of the kidney, is called the loop of Hengle. It performs the function of reabsorption of liquids and substances dissolved in it. Diuretics that act on this loop are called loop diuretics.
These diuretics do the following:
- reduce the activity of reabsorption of potassium, sodium, chlorine, magnesium;
- relax the muscles of blood vessels;
- enhance glomerular filtration;
- increase blood flow in the kidneys;
- affect hemodynamic readings, especially if drugs are administered intravenously;
- may gradually reduce the volume of extracellular fluid.
- cerebral edema;
- hyperkalemia;
- pulmonary edema;
- heart and kidney failure;
- hypertensive crisis;
- cirrhosis of the liver.
- Ethacrynic acid;
- Furosemide;
- Piretanide;
- Bumetanide.
Osmotic diuretics
The effect of osmotic diuretics is based on reducing pressure in the blood plasma, which relieves swelling and removes excess water. In the renal glomeruli, the blood supply becomes greater, and there is an increase in filtration in the kidneys.The following drugs are classified as osmotic drugs:
- Sorbitol;
- Urea;
- Mannitol.
But taking them leads to side effects, these include:
- the occurrence of pain in the head;
- tissue necrosis if the drug gets under the skin;
- increase in blood nitrogen;
- nausea.
Herbal diuretics
Along with medications, diuretics of plant origin are widely used. They have a gentler effect on the body and do not have dangerous side effects..jpg)
Many people are interested in what diuretics (diuretics) are and how they affect the body. These drugs specifically affect the kidneys and promote urine excretion. Most diuretics can inhibit the reabsorption of electrolytes in the renal tubules. An increase in the release of electrolytes is accompanied by an increase in fluid secretion.
The effects of diuretics on the body:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reducing myocardial oxygen demand
- Obstacle to development
- Eliminating excess fluid
Diuretics also have nephroprotective, cardioprotective, antiepileptic, bronchodilator and antispasmodic effects.
What does (diuretic) mean in medical practice? The hypotensive effect is due to sodium retention in the body and a decrease in fluid volume in the body. As a result, a decrease in blood pressure is maintained for a long time. In addition, they lower calcium levels and retain magnesium, which reduces the load on the left ventricle of the heart. This action improves microcirculation in the kidneys and prevents cardiovascular and renal complications.
The diuretic effect of the drugs helps reduce intraocular and intracranial pressure. Due to inhibition of neuronal activity, diuretics exhibit an antiepileptic effect. Some drugs (Indapamide) have a positive effect on the kidneys and heart, and serve as protectors for these organs for a long time. There are drugs that relax smooth muscles and have an antispasmodic effect. These include Aminophylline and Theobromine.
Use of diuretics in medicine
Although they are widely used for the treatment of various diseases, you should know that not all drugs have the same effect, so first you need to figure out what kind of diuretics are there?
- Thiazides
Thiazides(Bendrofluazide, Dichlorothiazide, Hypothiazide) have moderate activity. Together with the liquid, the drugs remove sodium, chlorine and potassium in large quantities. They are used for arterial hypertension and mild heart failure.
Action loop(Metolazone, Furosemide) more pronounced, but short-lived. They are used to relieve pulmonary edema or peripheral edema.
Potassium-sparing(Veroshpiron, Amiloride) are taken to prevent hypokalemia in combination with other diuretics, since these drugs do not remove fluid well.
Osmotic diuretics (Manitol) are used for forced diuresis or cerebral edema.
Interesting materials on this topic!
What are combination diuretics?Combination diuretic preparations began to be actively used in the 2000s, and since 2003, the recommendation for their use has been... Which diuretics are potent?
Strong diuretic folk remedies, used by healers for many centuries, have long faded into the background. Today, when...
Diuretics are diuretic drugs that act on different parts of the kidney, increasing urine output. The classification of diuretics in pharmacology is very broad; all drugs are divided into groups and differ in composition, mechanism of action on the body, time of onset and duration of the diuretic effect. It is important to know which drugs are classified as diuretics, let’s look at this.
Clinical pharmacology
Each day, the kidneys excrete approximately 1.5 liters of urine, which passes through various glomerular filtration systems, the near and far tubules, and the loop of Henle. Next, the urine goes directly into the ureter, and then into the bladder, from where it is discharged. In the structures of the tubules, almost 90% of the molecules of liquid and salts that the human body needs are reabsorbed. Taking into account these principles of the urinary system, we can conclude that diuretics have a direct effect on the function of urine production by the kidneys and change their regulation, increasing glomerular filtration. Almost all types of diuretics act by blocking the reabsorption of salts and water in individual tubules.
Classification by mechanism of action
- drugs that work at the level of renal tubular cells, for example, mercury diuretics (Eplerenone, Diacarb, Indapamide, Bumetonide);
- drugs that increase the process of renal blood circulation (“Aminophylline”, “Zufillin”);
- preparations from medicinal plants - birch buds, torment leaves, strawberry fruits.
Table of classification of diuretics by composition:
Loop diuretics
Loop diuretics affect the reabsorption of potassium, reducing it, which leads to increased excretion of potassium in urine. Most often, medications are recommended to be taken orally on an empty stomach. There is also the option of intramuscular and intravenous administration, due to which the effect occurs a little faster. Loop diuretics should be taken no more than 2 times per day.
Loop diuretics are potent and compatible with other diuretics and cardiovascular medications. Taking it together with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets is prohibited, because diuretics will enhance the effect of other drugs on the body.
Thiazide
The thiazide type of diuretics are diuretics of moderate effect, and they differ from loop ones in that they minimize the excretion of potassium and maximize the concentration of sodium in the kidney, which makes it possible to enhance the excretion of potassium. Medicines have a beneficial effect on the body and do not require the patient to strictly adhere to restrictions on salt intake.
Potassium-sparing
The clinical pharmacology of potassium-sparing diuretics is that the diuretic acts on the distal renal tubules, in which it either reduces potassium secretion or is an aldosterone antagonist. Potassium-sparing medications are used for hypertension to lower blood pressure. However, these diuretics have a mild effect, so using them alone to treat high blood pressure will not be very effective. Therefore, potassium-preserving tablets are not taken alone, but in combination with loop and thiazide diuretics to avoid side effects in the form of low potassium content.
Osmotic
The principle of operation of osmotic diuretics is that they increase the osmotic pressure in the blood plasma, due to which fluid is removed from swollen tissues and the volume of blood that circulates increases. This reduces the reabsorption of sodium and chlorine. When prescribing these diuretics, you should pay attention to the person’s side diseases, since they can have a bad effect on liver and kidney diseases.
Groups of diuretic drugs by strength
A classification is also made according to the strength of influence, distinguishing the following types of diuretics:
- lungs;
- average;
- strong.
Mild diuretics
Osmotic drugs remove water from edema. Light drugs are used in gynecology to remove swelling of the patient’s legs and arms during pregnancy. Doctors often prescribe osmotic medications, because their main effect is to remove water from edema. Mild diuretics are also used to lower blood pressure in children and the elderly. Diuretics are often prescribed to preserve potassium in the body. Various decoctions of medicinal plants are also mild diuretics. Medicines in this group have a mild diuretic effect and have no side effects.
Medium diuretics
Medium diuretics include thiazide medications. Their effect is observed 20-60 minutes after application and lasts for 7-15 hours. Used for complex therapy of high blood pressure (excluding beta blockers), chronic swelling caused by acute heart failure, diabetes, kidney stones and glaucoma.
Diuretics include such potent diuretics
- Lasix, which can be taken either orally or by injection. Its main advantage is quick results.
- "Spironolactone", which is used for a variety of edema.
- "Mannitol", produced in powder form for use in cases of swelling of the brain and lungs, and in case of chemical poisoning.
The effect of rapid-acting diuretics begins within a few minutes and lasts up to 2-8 hours. List of diuretics: Furosemide, Uregit, Mannitol. Diuretics of average effect give results after 1-4 hours, and their effect is observed for 9-24 hours. Names of drugs: “Dichlorothiazide”, “Diacarb”, “Triamtren”. The effect of slow diuretics occurs 2-4 days after use and lasts approximately 5-7 days. The most well-known remedy in this group is Spironolactone.
Diuretics for edema
During the treatment of chronic swelling, the following strong diuretics are often used: Furosemide, Piretanide, Torasemide. They should be taken in short courses, taking breaks in order to prevent addiction and subsequently a decrease in the effect of the diuretic. Most often, treatment follows the following scheme: diuretics are taken 5-20 mg per day until the swelling subsides. Then they take a break for several weeks, and then resume treatment.
In addition to potent diuretics, moderate-effect diuretics are also used to treat edema. Examples: “Polythiazide”, “Clopamide”, “Metozolon”, “Hydrochlorothiazide”. It is recommended to take the drugs at a dose of 25 mg per day. Treatment should be carried out for a long time, without prescribing breaks.
In situations where the edema is not severe, experts recommend light (potassium-sparing) diuretics: Amiloride, Spironolactone, Triamterone. The drugs are prescribed at a dosage of 200 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses. The duration of therapy is several weeks, then the course is resumed if necessary after 2 weeks.
The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!
Diuretics are substances that have different chemical structures, but have the common property of increasing the volume of fluid removed from the body. Diuretics are also called diuretics. Diuretics reduce the process of reabsorption of water and salts in the kidney tubules, due to which much more of them are excreted in the urine. In addition, diuretics increase the volume of urine and the rate at which it is formed, reducing the amount of fluid that accumulates in various tissues and cavities.Diuretics are used in the complex treatment of hypertension, pathologies of the cardiovascular system, liver and kidneys, as well as any other conditions accompanied by swelling of various organs and tissues.
Currently, there is a fairly wide range of diuretic drugs, which are classified according to various criteria and combined into groups based on similar properties.
General classification of diuretics
Depending on their origin, all diuretics are divided into the following groups:- Natural diuretics (herbal infusions, certain foods, herbal teas, etc.);
- Diuretic drugs (various tablets and solutions for intravenous administration).
1. Strong (“ceiling”) diuretics used to quickly eliminate edema, lower blood pressure, remove toxic substances from the body in case of poisoning, etc.;
2. Diuretics used long-term as part of complex therapy for diseases of the heart, kidneys and urinary tract;
3. Diuretics used to control urination in various diseases (for example, diabetes, gout, etc.).
The above classifications reflect only two aspects of diuretic drugs regarding their origin and purpose. In addition, there are a large number of different classifications of diuretics, taking into account their chemical structure, composition, mechanism of action, side effects and area of priority therapeutic use. All these parameters apply to both natural diuretics and tablets.
Let us consider separately the classifications and areas of application of diuretic tablets and natural remedies, so as not to cause confusion. The article will provide international names of medicines without listing commercial names. Knowing the international name, you can use the Vidal reference book to find a list of medications containing this substance as an active substance and their commercial names under which they are sold in pharmacies. For example, the text of the article will contain the international name of the substance Spironolactone, which is the active component of the drug with the commercial name Veroshpiron. For convenience and to avoid numerous listings of commercial names of drugs, we will use only international names of active ingredients.
Diuretic drugs (tablets, solutions for infusion) - classification
In clinical practice, to select the optimal drug in a given case, doctors use the following classification of diuretics:1. Potent (powerful, “ceiling”) diuretics (Furosemide, ethacrynic acid, Bumetamide, Torsemide and Peritanide) are used to quickly eliminate edema of various origins and reduce blood pressure. The drugs are used once, as needed, they are not used in courses;
2. Medium-strength diuretics (Dichlorothiazide, Hypothiazide, Indapamide, Clopamide, Chlorthalidone) are used in long courses as part of the complex treatment of arterial hypertension, diabetes insipidus, glaucoma, edema syndrome in heart or renal failure, etc.;
3. Potassium-sparing diuretics (Triamterene, Amiloride and Spironolactone) are weak, but they do not remove potassium ions from the body. Potassium-sparing diuretics are used in combination with other diuretics that remove calcium in order to minimize the loss of ions;
4. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (Diacarb and Dichlorphenamide) are weak diuretics. Used to reduce intracranial and intraocular pressure in various conditions;
5. Osmotic diuretics (mannitol, urea, glycerin and potassium acetate) are very strong, so they are used in the complex treatment of acute conditions, such as cerebral and pulmonary edema, an attack of glaucoma, shock, sepsis, peritonitis, lack of urination, as well as for accelerated excretion various substances in case of poisoning or drug overdose.
Potent, medium-strength, potassium-sparing diuretics and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are also called saluretics, since all drugs of these pharmacological groups remove large amounts of salts from the body, primarily sodium and potassium, as well as chlorine, phosphates and carbonates.
Potent diuretics - names of drugs, general characteristics, indications and contraindications for use, side effects
Potent diuretics, also called loop, power, or ceiling diuretics. Currently, the following powerful diuretics are used in the countries of the former USSR - Furosemide, ethacrynic acid, Bumetamide, Torsemide and Peritanide.Strong diuretics begin to act approximately 1 hour after oral administration, and the effect lasts for 16 to 18 hours. All medications are available in the form of tablets and solutions, so they can be taken by mouth or administered intravenously. Intravenous administration of diuretics is usually performed in severe patient conditions, when it is necessary to obtain a quick effect. In other cases, drugs are prescribed in tablet form.
The main indication for the use of strong diuretics is the treatment of edema syndrome caused by the following pathologies:
- Chronic heart failure;
- Chronic renal failure;
- Nephrotic syndrome;
- Edema and ascites in liver cirrhosis.
Potent diuretics are not used in long-term course therapy for hypertension, since they have a very short duration, but a powerful and pronounced effect. However, they are used to relieve a hypertensive crisis.
Also, potent diuretics can be used in the complex and short-term treatment of the following acute conditions:
- Pulmonary edema;
- Poisoning with various substances;
- Overdose of drugs;
- Hypercalcemia.
Contraindications to the use of potent diuretics are the presence of the following conditions in a person:
- Anuria (lack of urination);
- Severe dehydration of the body;
- Severe sodium deficiency in the body;
- Hypersensitivity to drugs.
Side effects of strong diuretics may include the following:
- Arterial hypotension;
- Vascular collapse;
- Thromboembolism of various vessels;
- Encephalopathy in people suffering from liver disease;
- Arrhythmia;
- Hearing impairment up to deafness (develops with intravenous administration of drugs);
- Increased concentrations of glucose and uric acid in the blood;
- Increased concentrations of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) with a parallel decrease in the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL);
- Skin rash ;
- Photosensitivity;
- Paresthesia (feeling of goosebumps, etc.);
- Decrease in the total number of platelets in the blood;
- Disorders of the digestive tract.
Medium strength diuretics - names of drugs, general characteristics, indications and contraindications for use, side effects
Medium diuretics are represented by drugs from the thiazides group. Currently, the following thiazide diuretics are used in the CIS countries - Dichlorothiazide, Hypothiazide, Indapamide, Clopamide, Chlorthalidone. Thiazide diuretics begin to act 30–60 minutes after oral administration, and the maximum effect develops within 3–6 hours. Dichlorothiazide, Hypothiazide and Clopamide act for 6 - 15 hours, Indapamide - 24 hours, and Chlorthalidone - 1 - 3 days. All diuretics of medium strength are effective when the glomerular filtration rate in the kidneys is not lower than 30 - 40 ml/min, according to the Rehberg test.
Indications for the use of moderate-strength thiazide diuretics are the following conditions:
- Comprehensive treatment of arterial hypertension;
- Chronic edema due to heart failure, liver cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome;
- Glaucoma;
- Diabetes insipidus;
- Oxalate kidney stones;
- Edema syndrome of newborns.
Contraindications to the use of moderate-strength diuretics are the presence of the following conditions:
- Hypersensitivity to sulfonamide drugs (for example, Biseptol, Groseptol, etc.);
- Pregnancy.
- Reduced blood pressure;
- General weakness;
- Impaired sensitivity (feeling of goosebumps, etc.);
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Abdominal colic;
- Decreased libido;
- Sexual dysfunction;
- Decrease in the total number of platelets in the blood;
- An increase in the total number of lymphocytes and monocytes in the blood;
- Skin rash;
- Sensitivity to light;
- Increased concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins in the blood.
Potassium-sparing diuretics - names of drugs, general characteristics, indications and contraindications for use, side effects
Drugs in this group do not lead to the removal of potassium from the body, which was the basis for their name. It is the preservation of potassium ions that determines the positive effect of drugs of this group on the heart muscle. Currently, the following potassium-sparing diuretics are available on the market in the CIS countries - Triamterene, Amiloride and Spironolactone. These drugs have a weak and slow effect, which develops 2–3 days after the start of administration, but lasts for a very long time. Indications for the use of potassium-sparing diuretics are the following conditions:
- Primary hyperaldosteronism;
- Secondary hyperaldosteronism caused by chronic heart failure, liver cirrhosis or nephropathic syndrome;
- Comprehensive treatment of arterial hypertension;
- In combination with other diuretics that cause increased excretion of potassium from the body (potent, medium-strength carbonic anhydrase inhibitors);
- Gout;
- Diabetes;
- To enhance the effect of cardiac glycosides (for example, Strophanthin, Korglykon, Digoxin, etc.).
Potassium-sparing diuretics are contraindicated in the following conditions:
- Hyperkalemia;
- Cirrhosis of the liver;
- Hyponatremia;
- Acute renal failure;
- Severe form of chronic renal failure.
- Urolithiasis disease;
- Photosensitivity;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- Headache;
- Dizziness;
- Cramps of the calf muscles;
- Skin rash;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Menstrual irregularities;
- Changing the timbre of your voice.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors - names of drugs, general characteristics, indications and contraindications for use, side effects
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are weak diuretics. When taken orally, their effect develops after 1 – 1.5 hours and lasts for 16 hours. When administered intravenously, the effect begins within 30–60 minutes and lasts 3–4 hours. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can be used in the form of tablets or intravenous injections. Currently, the following carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are available on the market in the CIS countries - Diacarb and Dichlorphenamide. Since these diuretics are highly addictive, they are used in short courses with breaks between them. Indications for the use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are the following conditions:
- Acute attack of glaucoma;
- Increased intracranial pressure;
- Petite epileptic seizure;
- Poisoning with barbiturates (Phenobarbital, etc.) or salicylates (Aspirin, etc.);
- During chemotherapy for malignant tumors;
- Prevention of mountain sickness.
The following conditions are contraindications to the use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors:
- Uremia (increased concentration of urea in the blood);
- Decompensated diabetes mellitus;
- Severe respiratory failure.
- Encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis;
- Formation of kidney stones;
- Decreased concentrations of sodium and potassium in the blood (hypokalemia and hyponatremia);
- Suppression of hematopoietic processes in the bone marrow;
- Skin rash;
- Drowsiness;
- Paresthesia (feeling of goosebumps, etc.).
Osmotic diuretics - names of drugs, general characteristics, indications and contraindications for use, side effects
Osmotic diuretics include Mannitol (mannitol), urea, concentrated glucose solutions and glycerin. These diuretics are the most powerful among all currently available diuretics. Osmotic diuretics are used only as intravenous infusions to treat a variety of acute conditions. Currently, mannitol is the most widely used among osmotic diuretics, since its effect is most pronounced and the amount and risk of side effects is minimal. Indications for the use of osmotic diuretics are the following conditions:
- Brain swelling caused by any factor (shock, brain tumor, abscess, etc.);
- Pulmonary edema caused by the toxic effects of gasoline, turpentine or formaldehyde;
- Edema of the larynx;
- Poisoning with drugs from the group of barbiturates (Phenobarbital, etc.), salicylates (Aspirin, etc.), sulfonamides (Biseptol, etc.) or boric acid;
- Transfusion of incompatible blood;
- Acute attack of glaucoma;
- Acute conditions that can lead to death, such as shock, burns, sepsis, peritonitis or osteomyelitis;
- Poisoning with hemolytic poisons (for example, paints, solvents, etc.).
There are no contraindications to the use of osmotic diuretics, since these drugs are used in very severe cases when it comes to human survival.
Side effects of osmotic diuretics may include nausea, vomiting, headache, or allergic reactions.
Side effects of diuretics - video
Diuretics for edema
To treat chronic edema in various parts of the body (legs, arms, abdomen, face, etc.), the following potent diuretics can be used:- Torasemide;
- Furosemide;
- Bumetanide;
- Piretanide;
- Xipamide.
In addition to the above drugs, the following moderate-strength diuretics can be used to treat chronic edema:
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Hypothiazide);
- Polythiazide;
- Chlorthalidone;
- Klopamide;
- Indapamide;
- Metal shop.
For mild edema caused by mild illnesses or functional disorders, potassium-sparing diuretics Spironolactone, Triamterene or Amiloride can be used for treatment. These diuretics are used at a dose of 200 mg per day, divided into 2 to 3 doses. The duration of the course of treatment is 2 – 3 weeks. If necessary, the course of treatment for edema with potassium-sparing diuretics can be repeated at intervals of 10 to 14 days.
Diuretics for blood pressure (hypertension)
All medications, including diuretics, used for hypertension, are conventionally divided into two large groups depending on the situations in which they are used: 1. Drugs to relieve hypertensive crisis, that is, to quickly lower excessively high blood pressure;
2. Drugs for the ongoing treatment of hypertension, necessary to maintain blood pressure within normal limits.
In fact, drugs for relieving hypertensive crisis are emergency aid used when it is necessary to very quickly lower blood pressure that is too high and life-threatening. And drugs for the long-term treatment of hypertension are drugs that are continuously used during periods of remission (outside of hypertensive crises) to control and maintain blood pressure at a constant, normal level.
To relieve a hypertensive crisis, potent diuretics are used, such as ethacrynic acid, Torasemide, Furosemide, Bumetanide, Xipamide and Piretanide. The best remedy among diuretics for reducing blood pressure during a hypertensive crisis is ethacrynic acid and Torsemide. However, in practice, all of the listed drugs are used and have a pronounced effect. Typically, drugs are administered intravenously to ensure the fastest possible effect. The duration of use of potent diuretics is 1–3 days. After the hypertensive crisis has stopped, potent diuretics are discontinued and drugs of another group are prescribed, the action of which is slow, not so powerful and aimed at maintaining pressure at a constant, relatively normal level.
To maintain blood pressure at a constant, normal level, medium-strength diuretics (thiazide diuretics) are used, which include Hydrochlorothiazide (Hypothiazide), Polythiazide, Chlorthalidone, Clopamide, Indapamide and Metozalone. The drug of choice for hypertension is Indapamide, since its blood pressure lowering effect is much stronger than other thiazide diuretics. Indapamide uniformly reduces blood pressure, maintaining it at a constant level throughout the day, and preventing it from increasing in the morning. Indapamide should be taken 1 tablet per day for a long time. The specific duration of the course of therapy is determined by the attending physician.
Diuretics during pregnancy
Diuretics should not be used during pregnancy. Moreover, this ban applies to both medications (tablets) and various natural remedies (for example, herbal decoctions, juices, etc.). The prohibition of using diuretics during pregnancy is due to the fact that they remove water and salts from the body, changing or disrupting the normal water-electrolyte balance, which will negatively affect both the condition of the child and the mother. Unfortunately, at present, many women are trying to use diuretics during pregnancy to eliminate edema, completely not understanding that the mechanism of their formation does not allow diuretics to eliminate the problem. Against the background of edema during pregnancy, diuretics will only worsen the situation.
If a woman with edema begins to drink any diuretic drugs (tablets, teas, infusions, decoctions, juices, etc.) to eliminate them, a large amount of water will leave the vascular bed. And swelling, that is, water will remain in the tissues. This will lead to the blood becoming excessively thick due to lack of water, which can provoke thrombosis, placental abruption, fetal death and other adverse consequences for the woman and child. Thus, the problem of edema during pregnancy is too serious and cannot be solved by simply taking diuretics at home. Let's consider the mechanism of the formation of edema in pregnant women, as well as situations when the use of diuretics is necessary to eliminate them.
During pregnancy, under the influence of various factors, water from the vascular bed goes into the tissues, forming edema. In order for a normal amount of water to be in the vascular bed, a woman needs to drink. Then part of the incoming water is excreted from the body with urine, and the remaining is distributed between the tissues and the vascular bed. Unfortunately, it is impossible to suppress the formation of edema, since this is due to the action of hormones and biologically active substances produced by the mother’s body to continue pregnancy. If their effect is stopped, the pregnancy will be terminated. Therefore, while pregnancy continues, it is almost impossible to remove water from tissues, that is, to relieve swelling, since at present there are no means that could “overpower” the influence of pregnancy hormones. This means that the only way to eliminate swelling during pregnancy is to terminate the pregnancy. However, this is not an acceptable option for a woman who wants a child.
Therefore, gynecologists do not treat edema during pregnancy, but in fact simply monitor them. If the swelling is small and does not pose a threat to the woman’s life, then she will have to put up with it, since it is impossible to eliminate it. After childbirth, all swelling will go away very quickly. If the swelling becomes excessively severe, is combined with hypertension, and significantly worsens the woman’s well-being, then she is hospitalized in a hospital, where treatment is carried out aimed at removing fluid from the body. Since this situation usually threatens a woman’s life, doctors use a wide range of drugs, including diuretics.
Typically, Furosemide is used for 1–2 days to “pull” water out of the tissues, and then Spironolactone or Triampur is used to remove excess fluid from the vessels for 7–10 days. This treatment is enough to eliminate swelling for a while, but it will form again, and this will happen until the end of pregnancy. If edema cannot be treated or develops too quickly, threatening the woman’s life, then the pregnancy is terminated for medical reasons.
The best diuretics
Unfortunately, at present there are no ideal medications, so it is simply impossible to choose the “best” diuretic that is ideal for all people, has a pronounced effect and does not cause side effects. After all, each diuretic has its own characteristics, which are optimal for a given situation. And if the drugs are used specifically taking into account the specific situation, then they will truly be “the best” for this person.Therefore, doctors do not say the “best” drug, preferring to use the concept “optimal”, that is, best suited for a given person in his specific situation. For example, for cerebral edema, the best drug, that is, optimal in this situation, will be Mannitol, and for a hypertensive crisis, ethacrynic acid, etc. That is, in order to choose the “best” diuretic drug, you need to consult a doctor, who will select the drug that is optimal in a particular situation, and it will be the “best”.
Effective diuretics
All modern diuretics are effective, but the maximum severity and usefulness of the action of each drug is possible only when used in certain situations. In other words, each diuretic has indications for use for which it will be very effective. Therefore, in order to understand which diuretic will be effective in this particular case, it is necessary to formulate the purpose of its use, for example, “eliminating hangover syndrome,” “reducing blood pressure,” etc. Then find out which drugs are effective for the stated purpose and choose one of them. It is this diuretic drug that will be effective in this particular case.Strong diuretic
Strong diuretics include the following drugs:- Torasemide;
- Furosemide;
- Bumetanide;
- Piretanide;
- Xipamide;
- Ethacrynic acid;
- Mannitol;
- Urea.
Mild diuretics
Mild diuretics include the following:- Spironolactone;
- Triamterene;
- Amiloride;
- Diacarb.
Safe diuretics
There are no safe diuretics, like any other medicines. Each medicine can cause side effects or have a negative impact if used off-label or against the background of existing contraindications. Also, any medicine can become dangerous if the dosage is exceeded, the duration of the course of treatment and other rules for using the drug are not followed. Therefore, the same diuretic drug in one case will be completely safe, but in another, on the contrary, very dangerous.In principle, all diuretics (tablets, herbs, teas, decoctions, etc.) are potentially dangerous because they remove fluid and ions from the body, which can lead to water-electrolyte imbalance. And severe pathologies of water and electrolyte balance without timely treatment can lead to death. However, even among these potentially very dangerous drugs, there are relatively safe ones, which include Spironolactone and Triamterene. These diuretics are the safest available.
Natural (natural, folk) diuretics
Natural diuretics include various decoctions of medicinal plants, as well as food products that have the property of increasing the removal of water from the human body. The most effective natural diuretics are various decoctions, infusions and teas made from medicinal herbs. Food products have a less pronounced diuretic effect. However, both herbs and products have a relatively weak diuretic effect compared to modern specialized drugs. Therefore, natural remedies for severe diseases can only be used as part of complex therapy as auxiliary components. But for the treatment of functional disorders, herbal diuretics may well be used as the only and main remedy. rosehip or cat's whisker has a targeted effect and is used for certain diseases. And tea made from dill, mint, nettle, horsetail and other herbs that have a diuretic effect, have a general effect, and therefore can be used as a diuretic for any condition.
Most often, diuretic teas made from herbs that have a general effect are positioned as weight loss products and are sold in pharmacies or other stores. In principle, they can be used for their intended purpose (as a diuretic), if there are no serious diseases and contraindications to the use of diuretics in principle. These ready-made diuretic teas are convenient because you just need to put the bag in boiling water, steep for a couple of minutes, and the drink is ready. According to doctors, diuretic teas for weight loss are optimal for the complex treatment of edema in various diseases of the kidneys, heart, liver and other organs.
Targeted diuretic teas usually fall into the category of decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs, since they are used only for certain conditions. The most effective and safe diuretic herbs currently are the following:
- Rose hip tea , used to eliminate swelling after surgery or antibiotic therapy. To prepare, chop 2 - 3 teaspoons of rose hips and brew in a glass of boiling water. Ready tea to drink throughout the day. You can drink rosehip tea for 10 days, after which you take a break for 7–10 days, after which the course can be repeated;
- Cat's whisker tea used for kidney diseases. Take for 4 – 6 months with 5-day breaks every month;
- A decoction of flax seeds. Pour a teaspoon of flax seeds into a liter of boiling water, boil for 15 minutes, then leave for 1 hour. Drink the finished infusion half a glass every 2 hours;
- Infusion of birch leaves used to treat edema in heart and kidney diseases. Grind 100 g of fresh birch leaves and pour 0.5 liters of warm water, leave for 6 - 7 hours. Strain and squeeze the mixture, place on a flat surface until sediment appears, which is filtered through several layers of gauze. Drink a tablespoon of pure infusion 3 times a day;
- Bearberry leaf tea used for inflammatory diseases of the bladder, ureters and urethra. For one serving, take 0.5 - 1 g of bearberry leaves and pour a glass of water, leave for 5 - 10 minutes, and then drink. They drink tea 3–5 times a day;
- Infusion of lingonberry leaves used for inflammation of the urinary tract. To prepare the infusion, pour 1 - 2 g of leaves into a glass of water, infuse and drink 3 - 4 times a day.
Homemade diuretics
There is a recipe for a mild diuretic that can be prepared at home and is used only for the treatment of functional conditions, for example, to speed up the elimination of alcohol after a stormy party, increase the effectiveness of the diet, etc.To prepare homemade diuretic tea, you need to mix 20 g of parsley, hay, dandelion and nettle, as well as 10 g of dill and mint. Pour a teaspoon of the resulting green mixture with a glass of boiling water, leave for 10 minutes, strain and drink in small sips. Tea should be drunk 30 minutes after meals, 1 glass per day.
Diuretics for weight loss
Diuretic tea for weight loss is sold in pharmacies and, when used correctly, can be beneficial by enhancing the effectiveness of the diet. It should be remembered that diuretic tea for the purpose of losing weight can only be used against the background of a diet. The diet leads to the breakdown of adipose tissue, resulting in the release of quite a large amount of water. It is this water that the diuretic tea will remove, preventing its reabsorption and, thereby, enhancing the effectiveness of the diet, the final result of which will be much better than expected. To enhance the effectiveness of the diet, you can use any diuretic tea sold in a pharmacy. However, drinking diuretic tea for weight loss without simultaneously following a diet is strictly prohibited, since this will lead to weight loss due to dehydration of the body, which is fraught with serious problems.
Losing weight with diuretics - video
Before use, you should consult a specialist.What is the diuretic effect?
The natural process of formation and excretion of urine in humans is called diuresis. So, medications, as well as some food products (for example, tea with milk, watermelon) influence this process (have a diuretic effect) and thereby lead to the so-called diuretic effect.
The diuretic effect is the effect of diuretics on the human body. Diuretics are diuretics, that is, drugs that cause increased urination, that is, a person who takes a diuretic will go to the toilet more often.
For example they say: diuretic effect lasts 10 hours. This means that within ten hours after taking a diuretic, a person will urinate more frequently.
Diuretic. The origin of the word from urine is immediately obvious - urine or urethra - part of the human urinary system. The prefix di means denial, rejection, that is, in our case, the release of urine from the body. This is the effect of forcing the diuretic system to work more intensively for the purpose of prevention or treatment.
After taking diuretics (diuretic drugs), a diuretic effect (diuretic) occurs in the body. With the help of such drugs, excess fluid is removed from the body. They are used in medicine to treat kidney-related diseases.
The diuretic effect is the same as the diuretic effect. Among natural diuretics, for example, cranberry and lingonberry fruit drinks are good: in addition to the diuretic effect, they are a good prevention of kidney diseases.
Beer and coffee also have a diuretic effect - you don’t need to drink a lot of them, and it’s better not to drink them at all.
Good health! 🙂
Diuretic effect is a medical term, usually written as such on the instructions for the drug. In common parlance, this is called a diuretic, that is, something that causes a frequent urge to go to the toilet. They must be prescribed by a doctor for certain diseases.
The diuretic effect is diuretic. When it is necessary to remove water from the body, diuretics are given. For example, you have hypertension and, along with other medications, your doctor prescribes diuretics to lower blood pressure. However, you shouldn’t get too carried away with them.
The diuretic effect is associated with the action of drugs. There are so-called diuretics, after the use of which urine production increases. This removes excess water and salts from the body.
The diuretic effect is the consequences of taking diuretics, which are expressed in an increased desire to urinate. And the person walks around little until this effect ends. That is, after such drugs the body is freed from fluid.
However, not only drugs have this effect. After drinking a lot of beer, you also often go to the toilet.
