Diuretics – A pharmacological promise
As we all know, different methods are now available for treating high blood pressure. It ranges from herbal medicines to chemical products to lifestyle correction methods. Yet, the most promising and the one that gives quick results is the use of diuretics. Diuretics are the most common category of medicine used to treat high blood pressure. They are widely available and are relatively inexpensive. In addition to its use of controlling high blood pressure, diuretics are also used in the treatment of heart failure, edema and some types of poisoning.
The term, diuretics, has a broad meaning. Generally, it refers to any substance the kidneys to get rid of extra salt and water. In short, the medicine acts as an agent which increase the excretion of salt and water, many of them can lower blood pressure at lower doses. There are different types of diuretics and they work on different part of the kidneys.
Some of the commonly used Diuretics are Loop Diuretics (furosemide), Thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide), Metolazone and Potassium sparing diuretics (spironolactone). Apart from the above listed medicines, which are commonly used in the United States, a number of other Diuretics are also used all over the world for the treatment of high blood pressure. Though each of these medicines had their own different functions, they all share the basic function of effective excretion of water, salt and other unwanted substances from the kidneys.
A person with high blood pressure will normally be given a thiazide diuretic for the initial stages to treat the problem. The reason for the medicine is being given is that it has amazing ability to make the blood vessels dilate.
Diuretics help the kidneys to eliminate unwanted materials like salt from the body and decreases fluid volume in the body which eventually results in a controlled blood pressure. Since thiazide diuretics causes potassium to be excreted in the urine, potassium supplements or a diuretic that does not cause potassium loss or that causes potassium levels to increase, that is, a potassium sparing diuretic, are sometimes asked to be taken with a thiazide diuretic.
It is to be noted that potassium-sparing diuretics are often prescribed with other medicines for the irregularities in the form of a single pill. This is because it contributes to the effect of other medications and to tackle the abnormalities in the electrolyte level of the patient, such as potassium. If a person who has been asked to take these medicines experiences any type of side effects may immediately stop the consumption of the medicine and contact the physician without any further delay.
Considering the different ways that diuretics help a patient, it can undoubtedly be considered as a pharmacological promise to all the hypertensive patients out there. But, as in the case with every medicine, there are side effects to diuretics; but it is minimal, and considering its effect in our life, we can easily ignore its side effects. Yes, the merits far outweigh the demerits.