Diuresis

Kamel KS, Halperin ML. Interpretation of electrolyte and acid-base parameters in blood and urine. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 24. Pfennig CL, Slovis CM. Electrolyte disorders. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 114. Version Info Last reviewed on: 7/21/2022 Reviewed by: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Diuretics Diuretics, often called water pills, are medications that help your kidneys remove extra fluid and salt through your urine. They are a Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Common diuretics include: • hydrochlorothiazide • • spironolactone • torsemide • bumetanide • chlorothiazide • metolazone • chlorthalidone While effective, diuretics can cause mineral loss and diuresis-related side effects such as: • • weakness • dehydration • • imbalances in calcium and magnesium • high blood sugar • high uric acid levels Your doctor may recommend an alternative medication if diuretics cause severe side effects. Hyperglycemia Hyperglycemia is when your blood sugar levels get too high. It Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health When there is more glucose than your kidneys can filter, the excess glucose Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Treatments for hyperglycemia include drinking lots of water, avoiding sugary foods, and staying physically active. In some cases, a medication like metformin (Fortamet) may be necessary. Diet Diet can influence urine production in many ways. In a Trusted Source Wiley Peer reviewed journal • In humans, urine production increased with: • high dietary sodium • alcoholic beverages like wine and spirits • high caffeine coffee • caffeinated energy drinks • In humans, urine producti...

Overview What is a diuretic? Diuretics ― also known as water pills ― are medicines that help you move extra fluid and salt out of your body. They make you pee more frequently, which is why you should take them in the morning if you can. You may need to take diuretics once or twice a day at the same time each day. Types of diuretics include: Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide® or Oretic®) or chlorthalidone (Hygroton® or Thalitone®). What they do: They make your kidneys pull salt and extra water into your pee. Selected side effects: • Headache. • Loss of appetite. • Hair loss. Loop diuretics, such as What they do: They affect part of your kidneys (the loop of Henle) to get salt and excess water out of your body. Selected side effects: • Dizziness. • Diarrhea. • Upset stomach. Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as What they do: They help your kidneys clear salt and water out of your body, but don’t let you lose too much potassium in the process. Selected side effects: • Gas. • Nausea. • Headache. A mixture of two types in one pill, like What they do: They make your kidneys move salt and extra water out while keeping you from losing too much potassium. Selected side effects: • Headache. • Peeing often. People usually take diuretics by swallowing diuretic pills, but your provider can give some diuretics through an IV in your arm during a hospital stay. Most people can take diuretics without getting serious problems from them. How do diuretics work? Diuret...