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Home » Blood Pressure

Treating Hypertension With Diuretics

Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD

Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD | Fact checked by Robin Backlund, BHSc
Last update: May 18, 2023

Treating hypertension with diuretics is the second most common form of treatment. Find out how effective or risky they are in this article.

hypertension and diuretics

Quick Summary

  • Diuretics are prescribed to encourage kidney function and vascular health and regulate blood pressure.
  • There are several forms of diuretics with possible side effects and interactions with other drugs and supplements.
  • Doctors often prescribe them to complement medication or a combination for effective hypertension treatment.

Diuretics, or water pills, are medications that encourage the kidneys to excrete excess salt and fluids through urine.

In addition to blood pressure supplements and medication, they are prescribed to support hypertension treatment. According to experts, diuretics are “the second most commonly prescribed antihypertensive in the USA.”

Diuretic drugs can be broken down into thiazide, loop and potassium-sparing diuretics. For most hypertension patients, thiazide diuretics are the most common type to lower blood pressure.

This article will explore the types, uses and side effects of treating hypertension with diuretics as a supplement to other ways to lower blood pressure.

In this article hide
1. Treating Hypertension and More with Diuretics
2. Types of Diuretics
2.1. Thiazide diuretics
2.2. Loop diuretics
2.3. Potassium-sparing diuretics
2.4. Natural diuretics
3. Possible Side Effects
4. Drug Interactions with Diuretics
5. Consult a Doctor for Prescription Diuretic

Treating Hypertension and More with Diuretics

Diuretics are the most common medication to manage high blood pressure.

This is because, as excess water is removed from the blood, vascular and blood pressure are lowered. Your heart will also pump more efficiently as a result of diuretics relaxing your blood vessel muscles. 

But diuretics are also used to treat medical issues like edemas and congestive heart failure.

Types of Diuretics

Different parts of your kidneys are targeted with specific diuretics. Some treatments combine diuretics or use them to support other blood pressure pills.

Depending on the disease you are treating and your underlying health status, your doctor will suggest which diuretic suits you.

Thiazide diuretics

The thiazide class of diuretics is frequently prescribed for hypertension alongside other drugs. These medications not only reduce fluids but also dilate your vascular system.

A few examples of generic and brand names you may be prescribed include:

Medical Name

Brand Name

Metolazone

Zaroxolyn

Chlorthalidone

Hygroton

Hydrochlorothiazide/ Microzide

Microzide, Esidrix

Indapamide

Lozol

Loop diuretics

Treatment for heart failure involves loop diuretics. They are the most potent diuretics that lower blood pressure, cardiac output and waste fluid.

Some forms include:

Medical Name

Brand Name

Bumetanide

Bumex

Furosemide

Lasi

Potassium-sparing diuretics

Potassium-sparing diuretics reduce fluid levels without depleting the nutrient potassium. Potassium loss causes fatigue, cramping in the legs and drowsiness.

Moreover, other diuretics can further cause potassium loss, arrhythmias and other side effects. Therefore, people at risk for these conditions are administered potassium-sparing diuretics.

However, they are not as effective at lowering blood pressure. Thus, your doctor may suggest other blood pressure remedies to support your regimen.

A few common brand names are:

Medical Name

Brand Name

Spironolactone

Aldactone

Amiloride Hydrochloride

Midamar

Triamterene

Dyrenium

Natural diuretics

There are various herbs, food and natural remedies commonly used to treat hypertension. So it comes as no surprise that the diuretic properties of some of these can be beneficial for you.

Initial research suggests that these alternatives help lower blood pressure. For example, dandelions have been found to increase kidney function and urination.

Similarly, hawthorn berries, juniper, parsley, horsetail and hibiscus have diuretic features. They encourage filtration, urinary volume and detoxification without harmful side effects.

Furthermore, adding diuretic fruits and vegetables like grapes, berries, celery, bell peppers, and garlic may also help. However, it is vital to note these alternatives do not replace prescription diuretics.

Possible Side Effects

Common reactions to diuretics might consist of the following:

  • Headache
  • Thirst
  • Upset Stomach
  • Gout
  • Dizziness
  • Palpitations
  • Elevated blood sugar in diabetic people
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fatigue
  • Imbalanced electrolytes
  • Dehydration

If prescribed diuretics, your doctor will likely check kidney function, blood sugar and potassium levels. Alert your doctor if you are over 65, pregnant, breastfeeding or have kidney and liver issues.

Talk to your doctor about any potential side effects before stopping a medication.

Drug Interactions with Diuretics

In rare cases, diuretics can counteract other treatments, making them unsuitable for everyone. To avoid potential problems, indicate to your pharmacist and medical provider about the intake of the following:

  • Supplements
  • OTC medication
  • Herbs
  • Blood pressure medication
  • Corticosteroids
  • Antidepressants
  • Lithium

For instance, conditions like low potassium, Addison’s disease, and urinary tract problems might require thorough observation of diuretics.

Consult a Doctor for Prescription Diuretic

Prescription diuretics are effective in treating everything from severe illnesses like heart failure to chronic conditions like hypertension.

Speak to your doctor about the efficacy, possible interferences and salt intake limitations before taking a diuretic. A transparent conversation will help you mitigate the risks while controlling hypertensive symptoms.

References

Duarte, D. J. and Cooper-DeHoff, R. M. “Mechanisms for blood pressure lowering and metabolic effects of thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics.” Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy 8.6 (2010): 793-802. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2904515/

Corliss, J. “Tips for taking diuretic medications.” Harvard Health Publishing (2019) https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/tips-for-taking-diuretic-medications

Sica, D. A. “Diuretic-Related Side Effects: Development and Treatment.” The Journal of Clinical Hypertension 6.9 (2007): 532-540. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-6175.2004.03789.x

Blowey, D. L. “Diuretics in the treatment of hypertension.”  Pediatric Nephrology 31 (2016): 2223-2233. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00467-016-3334-4

“Diuretics.” Drugs.com (2022) https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/diuretics.html

Dutta, K. et al. “Herbal Plants Used as Diuretics: A Comprehensive Review.” Journal of Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Biological Sciences 2.1 (2014)::27-32. http://www.jpcbs.info/2014_2_1_3_Dutta.pdf

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Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD

About Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD

Michael Rotman is a Structural Heart Specialist, Interventional Cardiologist and Scientist. He has more than a decade of experience in treating heart related desease, as well as authoring and reviewing health and wellness-related content. Currently work for a St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.

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Fact checked by Robin Backlund, BHSc

robin backlundRobin Backlund is a dedicated journalist and a medical student who has written several articles and essays exposing the falseness and hollowness of online resources in the medical science niche.

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