If you have conditions like kidney disease, high blood pressure or congestive heart failure that affect your body's ability to eliminate water, your physician may prescribe a diuretic medication. Diuretics stimulate your kidneys for the process of diuresis, or urination. However, diuretics can have unwanted side effects like losing excess potassium, which is a mineral found in your body that helps to perform muscle and nerve functions.
Sodium Elimination
Another reason why you may need a diuretic is if your body has difficulty eliminating sodium. This is because sodium attracts fluids in your body. You may observe this when you eat a salty meal and feel bloated afterward. Some diuretics can help encourage your body to eliminate both sodium and fluids. This can help lower blood pressure and relieve bloating. You need some amount of salt in your daily diet to maintain fluid balance and muscle and nerve function. However, because you typically have more sodium in your daily diet, sodium losses are not as concerning as potassium ones.
Symptoms
Because your kidneys may not distinguish between eliminating sodium and potassium, diuretics have a tendency to cause you to lose potassium as well. Potassium is a needed electrolyte in your body -- and it is possible to lose too much. This is especially true if you are taking certain diuretics. Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms like muscle weakness, muscle cramping or unexplained fatigue. You may also have abdominal symptoms like constipation or stomach pain. Severe instances of potassium loss can affect your heart rhythm, making treatment vital.
Potassium-Eliminating Diuretics
Two chief types of diuretics exist that may result in potassium loss. These include thiazide diuretics, which act to open your blood vessels while also stimulating your body to release urine and sodium. Another type is a loop-acting diuretic, which increases the amount of urine your kidneys can filter at one time. As a result, you urinate more to lose fluids and reduce your blood pressure. Your physician prescribes a diuretic based on your overall health and how much fluid you need to eliminate on a daily basis.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
If you experience adverse side effects related to potassium loss and taking diuretics, your physician may prescribe a potassium-sparing diuretic. These diuretics affect the kidneys in a different manner, helping them hold on to potassium while eliminating water. However, potassium-sparing diuretics do not tend to work as well as other diuretics. This is why they are not always the first medication prescribed when you require a diuretic.
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