Water pills work by removing excess water from a patient’s body there by reducing hypertension readings. Excess water in the blood increases blood volume which is critical for hypertension. The drug comes hundreds of brand name variations and is also available as a generic drug in most countries. This makes it easier to access and less expensive than other non-generic drugs.
Patients on a diuretics prescription tend to visit the restroom more often than normal. It is for this reason that daily dosage should be taken were possible during the day in order to allow a good night’s sleep with little or no disturbances. The other downside of diuretics is that through water loss they also wash out potassium an important mineral in treating blood pressure.
The loss of potassium makes it of paramount importance to combine diuretics with a good hypertension diet with foods that lower blood pressure such as lots of fruits and veggies. This would include oranges, beans, celery and many others. Potassium supplements are strongly discourage with patients encourage to source
their potassium supplies from fruits and vegetables alone. Patients on diuretics will also need to reduce the consumption of alcohol and smoking. Introduction of lots of fluids into the body system opposes the purpose of diuretics.
When used in isolated systolic hypertension patients which normally involves the elderly, extra care should be taken to ensure that diastolic blood pressure does not fall to abnormal levels. Left to fall to abnormal levels low blood pressure may result in shock and organ failure.
The following are side effects of diuretics;
- Dizziness
- Headache
- muscle cramps
- Upset stomach
- Frequent urination
Patients will need to consult a doctor as soon as possible at the first signs of severe rush, gout and problems breathing and swallowing. Breastfeeding mothers will need to take note that diuretics possibly pass to the infant via breast milk. Patients with already existing urinating problems should also seek doctor
advice. This also includes people with liver and kidney problems and the elderly.
Learn more about various hypertension medications such as CCBs, ACE Inhibitors and may others at http://www.hypertension-bloodpressure-center.com/hypertension-medications.html
