Are water pills safe?
water pills, also known as diuretics, are medicines that rinse excess water from the body. In general, they are considered safe if the user takes medication according to the instructions. Diuretics are used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, swelling, heart failure and other health problems. Women can take water pills when they experience water retention.
The most common diuretics prescribed patients are thiazide, osmotic, loop and saving potassium. Each type of diuretics affects a specific part of the kidneys. When you take a diuretic, the pill stimulates the kidneys to wash out salt and water from the body.
Less sodium and water in the body helps reduce blood pressure, making the heart work easier. Other substances eliminated from the body include magnesium, chloride, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and uric acid. The use of diuretics causes a person to urinate more often throughout the day, eliminating water and substances from the kidneys. Some patients can only use a water pill twice to three times a week. Others canTake diuretics several times a day. Once the patient is administered by a medicine, the water pill can start working after only hours.
As with any drugs, patients may experience side effects when using a water pill. For example, they will experience frequent urination. Maybe they'll even have to go to the bathroom several times all night. Patients may feel thirst because a large amount of water is flushed from the system.
Another side effect may include reduced potassium levels, which can lead to irregular heart rhythm. Some patients who use water pills may occur dizziness, confusion or mood swings. Rare side effects may include irregular menstrual cycles, voice deepening, breast enlargement in men and women and increased hair growth.
Before starting diuretics, the patient should tell the doctor if he is taking other medicines or supplements. This is because some medicines cancause side effects when used in conjunction with a water pill. Drinking alcohol can also increase the severity of the side pill side effects. Some doctors may ask their patients to weigh daily to monitor the amount of water lost to diuretics. Doctors also regularly check the patient's blood pressure and potassium levels to ensure that the patient remains in good health.