Loop Diuretics

Loop diuretics are used in the treatment of heart failure, where fluid builds up in the heart, obstructing it from pumping blood to the rest of the body. Edema then takes place, since fluids build in the lungs, causing one's legs and ankles to swell up. The main focus of this drug is to promote the flow of extra fluid to correct these problems, fixing water retention in the body. The most commonly used kind of diuretic for blood pressure, is thiazide, which is one of the main kinds of diuretics.

Side Effects of Loop Diuretics
The three main types of diuretics are - thiazides, loop diuretics and potassium-sparing diuretics. There are certain side effects that take place when one consumes this drug, and it can often be a pretty bad time when one experiences them. Based on what type of diuretic you take, the subsequent side effects take place.

• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Depletion of potassium, water and sodium
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Reduction of uric acid excretion
• Calcium loss / increase (hypercalcaemia)
• Insulin levels drop causing increase in blood sugar levels
• Rashes
• Fatigue
• Abnormal heart rate (arrhythmia)
• Muscle cramps
• Pancreatitis
• Indigestion
• Light headed sensation
• Feeling dehydrated
• Abnormal electrolytes
• Thrombocytopenia, which is a fall in the number of blood platelets, causing one to easily bruise
• Fever
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Feeling restless
• Loss of appetite
• Impotence
• Excess perspiration
• Nausea
• Palpitations
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Constipation
• Not ordinary bleeding and bruising
• Rapid loss of weight
• Skin rash
• Ringing in one's ears
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination

Loop Diuretics and Potassium
Potassium-sparing diuretics, make the body lose water, but at the same time eliminates further loss of potassium from the body. Potassium, besides aiding in other bodily functions, also keeps your heart healthy and controls blood pressure. It works in your kidneys, balancing sodium and potassium by working on these salts, maintaining its levels throughout the body. The two common drugs that are used, that come under potassium-sparing diuretics are - triamterene and amiloride. Hypokalaemia, which is when potassium levels drop in the body, is due to the presence of this drug without combining it with loop diuretics or thiazide. Therefore it is important to take the drugs together, to prevent hypokalaemia from taking place

Loop Diuretics List
Here's a list of diuretics, with brand names that are commonly associated with these drugs in the market. Remember to consult a physician before trying out these drugs on your own, when you get over the counter diuretics.

Loop Diuretics	Potassium-Sparing Diuretics	Thiazide Diuretics
Lasix	Triamterene	Cyclophenthiazide
Torasemide	Amiloride	Aprinox
Bumetanide	Amilamont	Bendroflumethiazide / Bendrofluazide
Burinex	Dytac	Metolazone
Furosemide / Frusemide	-	-
Torem	-	-
Natrilix	-	-
Xipamide	-	-
-	-	Hygroton
Indapamide	-	-
Chlortalidone / Chlorthalidone	-	-
-	-	Metenix 5
-	-	Navidrex
-	-	Diurexan

Precautions to Take for Those on Loop Diuretics
Visit a physician to examine how your body reacts to these drugs, and to check if they're working on your system. Once the body adjusts to the medicine, the first sign of feeling tired, will pass. It is advisable to take diuretics during the day, since they increase the flow of urine, and it many interfere with sleep cycles during the night. It is important to include high potassium foods, like fruit juices and whole fruits, since potassium levels drop due to the diuretics, and you need to keep your potassium levels up after it depletes. You can also use potassium supplements after a physician guides you on how to take these, and when. If you are already ingesting potassium-sparing diuretics, avoid foods and supplements rich in potassium, as too much of it can be damaging to the system. Cut down on things like drinking alcohol, standing for too long or exercising, as these problems heighten if you exert your system. Another common occurrence after taking diuretics, is the occurrence of sensitive skin. Those taking these drugs, will experience itching, redness and sunburns. Use sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15, before you head outside, and cover up your body, to avoid it from being exposed to the sun. The lighter your skin tone, the higher the SPF you will have to use. Before taking diuretics you need to check for any of the following first.

• If you've breastfed in the past, or are still breastfeeding
• Pregnancy
• Allergies of any kind
• If you are taking any other medicines, diuretics could interfere with these and cause side effects
• Medical conditions like - liver / kidney disease
• Those with blood vessel / heart disease need to know that cholesterol levels / triglyceride levels increase, on using diuretics
• Bronchial asthma
• Those having high potassium levels before taking diuretics, with urinating problems, should consult a physician first before taking diuretics

Loop diuretics aren't a drug that one can take without supervision and guidance. Remember to first consult a trusted physician about how to go about this treatment, and details on dosage and precautionary measures. Have a safe tomorrow.