Stress Management

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Blood Pressure Medications

Diuretics

Diuretics are sometimes called "water pills" because they work in the kidney and flush excess water and sodium from the body in the form of frequent urination. This reduces the amount of fluid in the blood. There are different types of diuretics. They are often used with other high blood pressure drugs.

The most often prescribed diuretics include:

Diuril
Dyazide
Corzide

When high blood pressure is related to kidney disease, loop diuretics, such as the following are used:

Furosemide (Lasix)
Bumetanide (Rumex)

Side effects associated with diuretics

Potassium And Magnesium Deficiency

Gout

Possible Rise In Levels Of Cholesterol

Male sexual dysfunction

Risk of cardiac arrest (rarely)

When you are taking these drugs, you will be usually asked to take supplements to combat the potassium and magnesium problems. You may also have to take another medication to combat the gout if it is problem. You will also be advised to pay particular attention to stay with a low fat diet to combat the potential increase in cholesterol.

Diuretics used to be the first-choice drug to treat hypertension, but this is changing with the availability of other newer drugs. They are relatively inexpensive. Some groups of hypertensive people-the elderly and African Americans, in particular-benefit most from diuretic therapy.

Next Topic: