Diuretic Pills

Diuretic pills, also known as water pills, are a type of drug that is primarily used for facilitating the excretion of excess fluid from the body. Retention of excess water by the body is known as fluid or water retention, which can manifest in swelling or edema. Such swelling can more commonly take place in the feet, legs, arms, hands and the abdominal area. Water pills or diuretics can help to reduce such swelling, and lower blood pressure by helping to expel excess water from the body. These pills are basically used for the treatment of fluid retention, high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney and liver diseases and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Types of Diuretic Pills
There are mainly three types of diuretics and these are known as loop diuretics, thiazides, potassium-sparing diuretics. Loop diuretics are used for preventing the reabsorption of sodium by the body, which results in an increase in urine output. Thiazides also promote the retention of water in the urine. Potassium sparing diuretics are those which help the body to retain potassium while expelling sodium and excess water.

How Do Diuretics Work?
Also known as water pills, they mainly act on the kidneys to remove excess water and sodium from the body. They stimulate the kidneys to expel sodium, which in turn helps to excrete excess water from the body and thus treat water retention. The elimination of excess water from the body results in a decrease in blood volume, which lowers the blood pressure. This helps the heart to work efficiently. They can also help to lose weight temporarily. In fact, many people use them for weight loss, but the effects last as long as they are used. People using these pills usually regain weight once these medications are discontinued.

Natural Diuretics
Apart from the conventional water pills, there are certain herbs and foods that have similar properties. Such foods and herbs too can help to eliminate excess water from the body. Many people therefore, use natural diuretics for high blood pressure and water retention. One of the most popular natural diuretic is caffeine, found in coffee beans and certain plants. Other natural diuretics include, parsley, bearberry, garlic, celery seeds, sage, dandelion, fennel, goldenseal, chicory, skullcap and yarrow. These herbs can be found in many natural water pills. They can also be available in the form of herbal extracts and powders.

Side Effects of Diuretic Pills
Like other medications, diuretics including, the herbal diuretics can cause a few side effects, when they are not used with caution. Some of the common side effects are, frequent urination, electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, weakness and muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, restlessness, confusion and abnormal heart rhythm. Women can experience menstrual irregularities after using diuretics. Their overuse can lower sodium to a significantly low level, increase blood sugar level and lower the level of blood pressure.

It is advisable to take these medications, as well as diuretic herbs and their preparations only under the supervision of a physician or health care provider. As these pills increase urine output, people taking these medications should drink enough water to prevent dehydration. It is also important to take potassium supplements or include potassium rich foods in the diet while using water pills, unless you are using the potassium-sparing diuretics. Potassium-sparing diuretics help to maintain the level of potassium in the body by reducing the excretion of this mineral in the urine, and so potassium supplementation is usually not required. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take them without consulting their physicians. Similarly, people using any other medications should inform their physician before using these pills.