Diabetes 12 years, Chronic Kidney Disease, Diuretics and Its Side Effects

A:

Doctor: There are different kinds of diuretics like thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics and potassium-sparing diuretics and quinazoline diuretics and so on. Diuretics have function to lower blood pressure and they mostly achieve this purpose of helping our body to remove more sodium and water, which help to relax the blood vessels walls. For this kind of diuretics, they are commonly used by patients who have high potassium level. However, as we know, some kidney disease patients my have low potassium and in this case, they can use potassium-sparing diuretics which do not cause potassium levels to drop. Rather, they may lead to high level of potassium.

In cases of kidney problem, diuretics are usually used together with other high blood pressure medications. As diuretics helps our body discharge fluids, they also show treatment effects in alleviating swelling symptoms. Diuretics help to reduce fluids in blood vessels, so they help patients lower risk of developing heart problem.

Any medications have side effects. The common side effects of diuretics include electrolyte disturbance, headache, muscle cramps, increased thirst, high blood sugar levels, abnormal heart rhythm, weakness, extreme tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness skin rash and so on.

People with Diabetes or Gout need to take extra care while taking diuretics, otherwise they may experience worsening of the condition. Pregnant and lactating women need to use them under the supervision of the doctor.