DIURETICS (WLATER PILLS)

Diuretics remove excess water from your body.

Generic (and Brand) names

All medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a specific patient group or condition. Consult your doctor for which medications are appropriate for you.

• Amilorid (Midamor)
• Bendroflumethiazide (Naturetin)
• Bumetanide (Bumex)
• Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
• Chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone)
• Eplerenone (Inspra)
• Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
• Fursoemide (Lasix)
• Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide, Oretic)
• Indapamide (lozol)
• Methyclothiazide (Enduron)
• Metolazone (Zaroxolyn)
• Polythiazide (Renease)
• Spironolactone (Aldactone)
• Torsemide (Demadex)
• Triamterene (Dyrenium)

What they’re used for

• To lower blood pressure
• To reduce edema (swelling caused by excess fluid in your body – often in the  legs and feet) associated with conditions such as heart failure.

How they work

Some diurectis work by causing the kidneys to release more sodium (salt) into urine. Sodium helps draw water out of the blood. With less fluid in your blood, your blood pressure decreases.

Diuretics also relive symptoms like shortness of breath. That’s because excess fluid in your lungs can cause these symptoms.