5 Diuretic remedies to deflate: names, when and how to take

Diuretics are drugs that increase the volume of urine produced by increasing the excretion of water by the kidneys in response to an increase in the elimination of salt or a decrease in its reabsorption in the renal tubules. Thus, by reducing the amount of fluid circulating in the bloodstream, the pressure in the arteries and the swelling caused by fluid retention are reduced.

Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide or Spironolactone are examples of diuretic remedies, which are used to treat problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure and swelling in the ankles, feet and legs, caused by changes in the functioning of the heart or diseases in the liver or kidneys, for example.

There are different types of diuretics that can be used to treat swelling, including potassium-sparing, thiazide, loop diuretics, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or osmotics, although the latter two are used less frequently. Diuretics should only be used with the guidance of a doctor, as the type of diuretic must be adapted to the specific purpose of the treatment.

Some of the main diuretic remedies used are:

1. Furosemide

Furosemide (Lasix, Neosemid) is a loop diuretic and is indicated for the treatment of hypertension and swelling caused by heart, liver or kidney disease or brain swelling or caused by burns.

In addition, it is indicated for the treatment of gestosis, a hypertensive disease that appears in the last trimester of pregnancy, and to facilitate the elimination of urine in case of poisoning. The recommended doses should be indicated by the doctor, as they depend on the problem to be treated.

2. Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (Chloran), indicated for the control of blood pressure and in the treatment of swelling caused by problems in the functioning of the heart, cirrhosis, treatment with corticosteroids or hormonal drugs, or by some problems in the functioning of the kidneys. Doses ranging from 25 to 200 mg per day may be recommended, depending on the problem to be treated.

3. Spironolactone

Spironolactone (Aldactone, Diacqua) is a potassium-sparing diuretic and is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure and swelling caused by problems with heart function, liver or kidney disease. Generally, doses ranging from 50 to 200 mg per day are recommended, according to the instructions given by the doctor. See how to use this remedy.

4. Amiloride

Amiloride is also a potassium-sparing diuretic and is generally associated with hydrochlorothiazide for the treatment of high blood pressure, reduction of swelling in the ankles, feet and legs caused by water retention and for the treatment of ascites, which is the accumulation of water in the abdomen caused by cirrhosis. Generally, it is recommended to take 1 50 mg / 5 mg tablet daily.

5. Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone

It is a combination of 2 different types of diuretics (Aldazide), indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure and swelling caused by diseases or problems in the heart, liver or kidneys. In addition, it is indicated as a diuretic in cases of fluid retention. Generally, doses ranging from half a tablet to 2 tablets of 50 mg + 50 mg per day are indicated, depending on the problem to be treated. Learn more about the side effects of this remedy.

How to take Diuretics

Any medicine with diuretic action should only be taken under medical advice, because when used incorrectly they can cause electrolyte imbalance, which are changes in the amount of important minerals in the blood. In addition, other problems such as dehydration or cardiac arrhythmias, for example, may also arise.

There are also natural diuretics, such as green tea, or diuretic foods, such as celery, cucumber or lemon, as they have an effect similar to medicines, but with less health risks. See a more complete list of some natural diuretics.