Diuretics (also called water pills) are used to treat high blood pressure, glaucoma and retention of fluid known as edema. Diuretics works by helping your body release sodium, an electrolyte. The kidneys are forced to excrete large amounts of sodium in the urine. There are three types of diuretics: thiazide diuretics, such as Diuril (generic: chlorothiazide) and Zaroxolyn (generic: metolazone); potassium-sparing diuretics, such as Midamor (generic: amiloride) and Inspra (generic: eplerenone); and loop diuretics, such as Burnex (generic: bumetanide) and Lasix (generic: furosemide).
Thiazide Diuretics
Thiazide diuretics may produce a variety of serious and non-serious side effects, but the effects are relatively rare and you may experience none of them. If you do, consult a medical professional immediately. Serious side effects include rapid heartbeat; pain in the chest; blurred vision; chills, diarrhea; difficulties with breathing, swallowing or urination; vomiting; or stools containing blood; fever; indigestion; nosebleeds; nausea; trembling; abnormal weakness; bleeding; bruising; or tiredness, bad breath, seizures, spinning sensations, confusion or constipation. Non-serious and temporary side effects that do not require help from a doctor include skin scales or cracks, lowered libido, impotence, spasms in the muscles, decreases in body heat and thinning or loss of hair.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Potassium-sparring diuretics can induce some temporary or serious side effects during use. Temporary side effects, such as diarrhea, loss of weight, appetite changes, lowered libido, belching, impotence, loss of hearing, indigestion, double vision, abnormal perception of colors, ear noises, stomach pressure, insomnia or tunnel vision among others, do not require medical attention and will disappear by themselves as you continue to take the drug. Serious side effects, such as confusion, irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, vomiting, coma, irritability, fever, headaches and seizures should be mentioned to your doctor immediately.
Loop Diuretics
Loop diuretics also may cause serious or temporary side effects from usage. Those of the serious type include fast and excessive loss of weight, breathing problems, swallowing problems, abnormal bruising, noises in the ears (such as ringing), uncommon bleeding, hearing loss and a skin rash that is severe and may include skin peeling. Temporary side effects include cramps in the muscles, diarrhea, weakness throughout the body, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, thirstiness and nausea.
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