What diuretics can you take? What diuretic folk remedies can be taken at home. Video: the effect of various diuretics on the human body

The problem of edema of various origins is very common among the population. Unfortunately, the lack of obvious visible to the eye swelling on one or another part of the body is not a guarantee that it does not exist - there are so-called hidden edema, the danger of which is very high.

Edema itself is not a separate pathology, but is part of a symptom complex characteristic of a specific disease or condition, of which there are many. Just as there are many causes of edema, there are many remedies and methods to combat them. And so the huge list of synthetic diuretics is updated daily.

The purpose of this group of drugs is clear from the name - they help remove excessively accumulated or retained fluid from the body through the urinary system. But not everyone is a fan of official medicines.

Alternative to chemical medicines traditional medicine offers a diuretic created by nature itself and tested over many generations, it is effective, safe and not addictive a way to rid your body of excess fluid.

When are diuretics indicated?

Diuretics are indicated for many conditions and diseases:

  • Cardiovascular pathology
  • Hypertension
  • Diseases of the urinary organs
  • Liver diseases
  • Pregnancy
  • Allergy
  • Tendency to swelling
  • Errors in a diet with a predominance of spicy and salty foods
  • Overweight

If the use of diuretics is associated with a specific disease, a person is often doomed to a lifelong struggle with excess fluid accumulated by the body. Folk diuretics for hypertension can keep this dangerous disease under control and prevent critical surges blood pressure.

In a condition such as pregnancy, swelling can lead to serious health problems. Well, what about the fight with overweight is simply impossible without diuretic therapy, be it medicinal or folk, since excess fluid is overweight on our body.

Tips for the safe use of folk diuretics

There is an incredibly large number popular recommendations and recipes for the preparation and use of diuretics. But before using even the most seemingly safe of them, you should still consult a qualified specialist about the possibility of such treatment.

  • Allergic reactions

It should also be remembered that many plants are allergenic and can cause corresponding reactions in humans. Therefore, when using a new folk method for the first time, you should reduce the recommended dose several times and observe the body’s reaction for 6 hours. If you develop an allergic or any other pathological reaction taking the composition should be discontinued.

  • Replenish magnesium and potassium deficiency

Even taking into account the fact that folk diuretics for edema and pregnancy do not have an aggressive effect on the body, unlike medications, they are also capable of removing healthy salts from the body, such as . To replenish their deficiency, you should add oatmeal, raisins or grapes, apricots or dried apricots, as well as rice and bananas to your diet.

To prevent edema, it is best to combine traditional methods with proper nutrition; for this you need to consult with doctors - a nutritionist, a herbalist, who can help in adjusting the diet and replenishing the deficiency in the heat mineral salts no foods rich in salt.

Folk diuretics for edema

Effective folk diuretics for edema help really quickly and safely. If you use natural diuretics correctly, as opposed to synthetic diuretics, you can achieve no loss of minerals and electrolytes.

  • Decoction of the roots of sageweed

He is universal remedy from edema, especially if the cause of the swelling could not be determined. In addition to the diuretic effect, the plant strengthens the vascular wall well. The decoction is prepared as follows: pour 1 tablespoon of chopped sageweed roots with a glass of boiling water and keep on steam bath for at least half an hour, after which the broth is allowed to brew for 20 minutes and filtered. The resulting volume is diluted boiled water so that you end up with a full glass of broth. The composition is taken three times a day, half an hour before meals, 2 teaspoons at a time.

  • An infusion of knotweed and birch leaves has a good diuretic effect.

The infusion is prepared simply: 1 teaspoon of the specified plant mixture is poured with a glass of water and boiled for a quarter of an hour, after which it is infused for about half an hour. The infusion is taken twice, in the morning and in the evening, half a glass, regardless of food intake.

  • Burdock is considered an effective natural diuretic

To prepare the infusion, use: 1 teaspoon of crushed raw materials, pour a liter of boiling water and leave to infuse overnight. This volume is divided into equal parts and taken over the next day.

  • Cucumbers, pears, tomatoes, parsley, melon, watermelon, cranberries have a natural diuretic effect.

These vegetables and fruits can be consumed on their own or used in dishes, combining tasty food with benefits for the body. Many people's favorite green tea, which can be brewed in half with fennel, another natural diuretic, copes well with edema.

Diuretics during pregnancy

Long-known folk diuretics during pregnancy are still widely used today, since no expectant mother wants to use drugs of chemical origin, and the problem of swelling during pregnancy is very relevant.

As stated earlier, a pregnant woman can eat vegetables and fruits that have a diuretic effect without the risk of harming herself and the baby. It is necessary to reduce the amount of liquid consumed - it is better to drink more often, but in small portions. It is also unacceptable to consume over-salted, spice-rich foods, smoked and fried foods with high content fat

  • Freshly prepared monocomponent juices from pumpkin, carrots, and viburnum can be used twice a day, half a glass.
  • Birch sap perfectly quenches thirst and helps remove accumulated fluid, but you can take it no more than 100 grams in a single dose 2 times a day.
  • Freshly squeezed juices from blackberries, serviceberries or chokeberries are used three times a day, 1 tablespoon.
  • It’s very easy to make drinks from cranberries or lingonberries: just grind these berries with sugar and add water, and drink 3 times a day.
  • Among medicinal herbs and collections during pregnancy, you can only use lingonberry leaves, birch buds and leaves, bearberry leaves, orthosiphon leaves. But even these folk diuretics should be taken only after consulting a doctor.

Diuretic herbal remedies such as strawberries, parsley root, bearberry, and juniper fruits are dangerous during pregnancy because they contribute to uterine contractions.

Diuretics for weight loss

People who are facing a problem excess weight and they fight it, they know that there will be no effect if the body is not freed from excess fluid. This helps not only to reduce the number on the scale, but also to cleanse and improve the health of the body.

  • A strong folk diuretic for weight loss

This is a well-known and previously mentioned green tea, which becomes the main drink consumed during the day for those who want to lose weight. It removes accumulated fluid and accelerates fat burning, and also thins the blood. The basic rule is to take the drink before meals, and not to wash it down with food. And, of course, no sugar.

  • Collection of senna, parsley, dandelion, mint and dill

Tea from plants that are taken in the following volume works well: 20 grams of senna, 20 grams of parsley, 20 grams of dandelion, 20 grams of nettle and 10 grams of mint and Italian dill. After mixing the components, pour 1 teaspoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water and infuse. Use tea for weight loss with increasing and then decreasing volume - start with one glass and gradually increase the volume to three glasses per day, then gradually reduce it again to one glass. One glass of tea is also a maintenance dose for those who have already lost weight. Take this tea after meals for about a month. This tea contains both diuretic and kidney-activating components, which explains its effectiveness.

Diuretic folk remedies for weight loss are not just herbs and other plants. Active image Life and adequate physical activity help the body naturally remove fluid that is excess and interferes with normal life (see).

Diuretic folk remedies for hypertension

With the help of diuretics of traditional medicine, swelling due to hypertension can also be cured. Here are a few such ways:

  • Honey, lemon, beets, cranberries and vodka

You will need one lemon, 2 glasses of cranberry and beet juice, 250 gr. honey, 1 glass of vodka, combine and take 3 times a day on an empty stomach. Another recipe without alcohol, mix 1/2 cup of honey and raw beets (grated) and also take 1 tbsp 3 times a day. spoon.

  • Chokeberry

300 gr. sugar and half a kilogram of chokeberry are ground to obtain a paste, which can be taken 2 times a day, 100 grams. You can also use another folk way With chokeberry- pour 2 teaspoons of rowan (crushed) into a glass of boiling water, strain after 30 minutes, use 3 tablespoons in the morning and evening, store all mixtures in the refrigerator.

  • Onions, honey, walnut partitions, vodka

You will need partitions from 10 pcs. walnuts, 1 kg. onions, 150 gr. honey, 150 ml vodka. Mix vodka, honey with onion juice and nut partitions, leave for 10 days, you can take 3 times a day, 1 tablespoon.

Traditional medicine recipes with herbs

  • Bearberry, nettle, rosehip, plantain

Take an equal amount of all herbs and berries, chop and mix. Then brew one tablespoon of the mixture with half a liter of boiling water, let it brew for an hour, then strain and take this volume of infusion 3-4 times during the day.

  • Burdock with sugar or honey

Burdock roots should be crushed, pour 1 liter of boiling water over 3 tablespoons of the root, boil until half the liquid has evaporated, add honey or sugar to the broth to taste. Drink 0.5 cups 3 times a day.

  • Lovage root, licorice, juniper berries

Chop equal amounts of fruits and roots well, mix, first pour one tablespoon cold water and wait six hours, then boil the mixture for 15 minutes, strain, take 4 times a day, 1/4 cup.

  • Greens and parsley root, lemon

Grind the root, add the same volume of greens, pour half a liter of boiling water over 1 glass of the mixture, leave for 10 hours, then pour into a separate container, strain and add the juice of 1 lemon, take 1/3 tbsp in the morning and afternoon. Take a 3-day break and continue this regimen until the swelling decreases.

Folk remedies from berries and vegetables

  • Pumpkin, raisins, apples

An affordable and effective remedy for edema is pumpkin; in addition to combating edema, it perfectly helps remove toxins and bad cholesterol from the body (see). A kilogram of pumpkin is crushed along with 3 sour apples, mixed, raisins are added, and the mixture is stored in the refrigerator. It should be taken before meals, 3 tablespoons.

  • Cranberries and lingonberries

If you use a mixture of cranberries and lingonberries, this is the most useful, safe and correct folk remedy, which is not only a diuretic, but also fortified. as an excellent antimicrobial agent. To prepare the infusion, you need to boil a handful of lingonberries and cranberries in 3 glasses of boiling water for 10 minutes, let the broth brew for 3-4 hours, strain, and drink this volume in several doses a day.

  • Cucumbers and celery

This cocktail of celery and cucumber is very healthy; to prepare it, just one cucumber and 3 celery pods are enough, grind in a blender, dilute with water and drink half a glass 4 times a day.

Review of medicinal herbs with diuretic properties

The medicinal plants presented below have diuretic properties to one degree or another; it makes no sense to say that any of them is more effective, since everything is very individual, what helps one person well may be useless to another, and even cause side effects or allergic reactions. Even herbal preparations should be used as prescribed by a doctor, preferably a herbalist. Therefore, we provide only a list of these folk remedies, brief description their actions.

Lingonberry leaves

Indicated for diseases of the kidneys, heart, and edema during pregnancy. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, choleretic, diuretic, astringent, demineralizing effects.

  • Price: 40-50 rub.

Horsetail

Has anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects. Contraindicated in nephrosis, nephritis, nephrosonephritis.

  • Price 35-45 rub.

Shown when inflammatory diseases urinary tract. Contraindicated during pregnancy. It has a diuretic, bactericidal, antispasmodic effect.

  • Price: 35-45 rubles, filter bags 60 rubles.

Have moderate antimicrobial effect, has a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect. Indicated as a diuretic for edema.

  • Price: 45-50 rub.

It has choleretic, diuretic, wound healing and moderate anti-inflammatory effects.

  • Price: 25-45 rub.

Cannot be used for kidney disease. It has an antipyretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, choleretic, stimulates appetite, increases lactation in nursing mothers.

  • Price: 30-40 rub.

Among others useful properties(expectorant, antispasmodic, choleretic, cardiac) has a diuretic, anti-inflammatory effect.

  • Price: 20-30 rub.

It is used as a sweatogenic, laxative, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diuretic, mild laxative, to remove salts from the body.

  • Price: 50 rub.

It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic, wound-healing, expectorant, hemostatic effects.

  • Price: 50-70 rub.

Kidney tea (orthosiphon)

Indicated for edema, hypertension, cholecystitis. It has a diuretic, choleretic, analgesic effect, and increases the secretory activity of the stomach.

  • Price: 45-50 rub.

Highlander pochechuyny

It has a pronounced diuretic effect, analgesic, laxative, and is used to remove small stones and urates from the kidneys, as an antihemorrhoidal, antimicrobial agent.

  • Price: 20-40 rub.

Used for cystitis, urethritis, kidney diseases (edema),
atherosclerosis, hypertension, bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

  • Price: 45-50 rub.

Diuretics (tablets, solutions) have become quite firmly established in our lives. They are used to correct acid-base balance in organism. After all, they perfectly remove excess acid and alkali from it. Diuretic tablets, the list of which is quite impressive, are used in the treatment of poisoning, some injuries (especially when it comes to head injuries), and to combat hypertension. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows not only the mechanism of action of these drugs, but also the side effects that they can cause. And improper use of diuretics can lead to serious complications.

Diuretic tablets are used to treat many ailments. The list of effective drugs continues to grow today. Diuretics are also called diuretics.

Their main goal is to remove excess water, chemicals, and salts from the body, which tend to accumulate in the walls of blood vessels and tissues. In addition, diuretics have positive influence on water salt balance.

If a large number of sodium ions accumulate in the body, it begins to be deposited. subcutaneous tissue. It has a very negative effect on the functioning of the kidneys, heart, and hematopoietic system. As a result, the patient develops a variety of diseases and disorders.

In addition, diuretics are in great demand in sports medicine. They are often used for weight loss. Very often, diuretics (tablets) are included in complex therapy to combat various ailments.

Based on their effect on the body, modern diuretics are divided into two main forms. The first category of drugs affects the process of urine formation directly in the kidneys. The second form of diuretics is responsible for the hormonal regulation of urine production.

There is a lot of information that diuretic tablets, the list of which is given below, can also easily solve cosmetic problems. However, many people believe that similar drugs completely safe. Some women take these medications on their own for weight loss purposes. Athletes widely use drugs before competitions in order to lose weight. Even bodybuilders use them, trying to create artificial dehydration so that the muscles look more prominent.

However, people who take diuretics without a doctor's prescription are at great risk. After all, treatment with diuretics can result in unpleasant consequences. You should know that diuretics can:

  1. Remove potassium from the body, thereby increasing human fatigue.
  2. Provoke salt deposition.
  3. Increase the risk of diabetes because they increase levels of “bad” cholesterol.
  4. Increase urination, causing sleep disturbance.
  5. Create problems for men with potency.

Quite often, even those patients who understand the risk believe that the latest drugs"Indapamide", "Torasemide", "Arifon" do not affect metabolism harmful influence. Such medications are indeed much better tolerated than older generation medications. However, they are also harmful to health. But negative impact these funds are revealed much later. It is enough to understand the mechanism of their action. Medicines of the new and old generation are aimed at one thing - to stimulate the kidneys to work more intensively. Consequently, they excrete more salt and water.

It is important to understand that fluid retention in the body is a symptom of a serious illness. Swelling cannot occur on its own. It is provoked by serious disruptions in the functioning of the kidneys, heart, and sometimes other reasons. Consequently, diuretics are drugs (their list is very extensive) with exclusively symptomatic action. Unfortunately, they do not get rid of the cause of the disease. Thus, medications only delay the unpleasant ending for patients. Therefore, people who want to improve their health and fight real disease, should not make do with diuretics alone, much less use them independently.

Until today, there is no single system according to which all diuretics are divided, since all drugs have different chemical structure, have different effects on body systems. Therefore, it is impossible to create an ideal classification.

Often the division occurs according to the mechanism of action. According to this classification, there are:

  1. Thiazide drugs. They are excellent for the treatment of hypertension, perfectly reduce blood pressure. It is recommended to use them in parallel with other medications. Thiazides can negatively affect metabolism, so such diuretics are prescribed in small quantities. Drugs (a list of only the most popular ones is given in the article) from this group are “Ezidrex”, “Hydrochlorothiazide”, “Chlorthalidone”, “Indapamide”, “Hypothiazide”, “Arifon”.
  2. Loop means. They remove salt and fluid from the body due to their effect on kidney filtration. These medications are characterized by fast diuretic effect. Loop diuretics do not affect cholesterol levels and do not create preconditions for the occurrence of diabetes mellitus. However, their biggest drawback is the many side effects. The most common drugs are Torasemide, Furosemide, Ethacrynic acid, Bumetanide.
  3. Potassium-sparing agents. Quite an extensive group of drugs. Such medications help increase the excretion of chloride and sodium from the body. At the same time, the removal of potassium is minimized by such diuretic tablets. List of the most popular drugs: Amiloride, Triamterene, Spironolactone.
  4. Aldosterone antagonists. These diuretics block natural hormone, which retains salt and moisture in the body. Drugs that neutralize aldosterone promote fluid removal. At the same time, the potassium content in the body does not decrease. The most popular representative is “Veroshpiron”.

For good effect may be applied potent drugs. The following diuretic tablets are used for edema:

  • "Torasemide";
  • "Furosemide";
  • "Piretanide";
  • "Xipamide";
  • "Bumetanide".

Medium-strength diuretic tablets can also be used for edema:

  • "Hydrochlorothiazide";
  • "Hypothiazide";
  • "Chlorthalidone";
  • "Klopamide";
  • "Polythiazide";
  • "Indapamide";
  • "Met hall."

Such drugs are used for a long time and continuously. The recommended dose is determined by the attending physician. As a rule, it is about 25 mg per day.

For minor edema, potassium-sparing diuretics, such as Spironolactone, Amiloride, and Triamterene, are more suitable. They are taken in courses (2-3 weeks) at intervals of 10-14 days.

Diuretic medications that are used for high blood pressure, are divided into two categories:

  1. Funds providing quick effect. Such drugs are used during a hypertensive crisis, when there is a need to quickly reduce blood pressure.
  2. Products for daily use. Medicines help maintain optimal blood pressure levels.

Potent medications can stop a hypertensive crisis. The most popular drug is Furosemide. Its price is low. No less effective during a crisis the following means:

  • "Torasemide";
  • "Bumetanide";
  • "Ethacrynic acid";
  • "Piretanide";
  • "Xipamide."

The duration of taking the above medications can be 1-3 days. After stopping the crisis, they switch from such potent drugs to medications that can maintain blood pressure at the required level every day.

  • "Indapamide";
  • "Hydrochlorothiazide";
  • "Hypothiazide";
  • "Klopamide";
  • "Metro salon";
  • "Polythiazide";
  • "Chlorthalidone."

These medications are taken daily as prescribed by your doctor. They perfectly maintain the optimal pressure level.

Drugs for heart failure

As a result of this pathology, fluid retention in the body often occurs. This phenomenon creates stagnation of blood in the lungs. The patient has many unpleasant symptoms, such as shortness of breath, swelling, enlarged liver, the appearance of wheezing in the heart.

For people with heart failure, the doctor must introduce a diuretic into therapy. It perfectly prevents severe consequences such as pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock. At the same time, diuretics increase patient tolerance physical activity.

For patients with the first and second degrees of the disease, a good diuretic is a thiazide drug. In case of more serious pathology, the patient is transferred to strong remedy- loop diuretic. In some cases, the drug Spironolactone is additionally prescribed. It is especially important to take such a remedy if the patient has developed hypokalemia.

If the effect of using the drug Furosemide weakens, cardiologists recommend replacing it with the drug Torasemide. It has been noticed that the latter remedy has a more beneficial effect on the body when severe forms heart failure.

The medicine is a fast-acting diuretic. Its effect occurs after taking it for 20 minutes. The duration of the drug's effect is about 4-5 hours.

This remedy is effective not only for relief hypertensive crisis. According to the instructions, the medicine helps with heart failure, swelling of the brain and lungs, poisoning chemicals. It is often prescribed for late toxicosis during pregnancy.

However, the product also has strict contraindications. The drug is not used in the first trimester of pregnancy. It should not be used in patients with renal failure, people who have hypoglycemia, obstruction urinary tract.

The cost of the drug "Furosemide" is low. The price is approximately 19 rubles.

The medicine is fast-acting remedy. The drug "Furosemide" undergoes biotransformation in the kidneys, so it is not suitable for all patients. More effective medicine For people suffering from kidney diseases, the medicine “Torasemide” is used, since it undergoes biotransformation in the liver. But with pathologies of this organ, the medicine can cause serious harm.

After just 15 minutes, the effect on the body begins (as stated in the instructions for use attached to the drug "Torasemide"). The price of the product varies from 205 to 655 rubles.

Long-term studies have confirmed the high effectiveness of the drug in heart failure. In addition, the drug perfectly removes salts and liquid. At the same time, the loss of potassium by the body is insignificant, since the effective remedy blocks the hormone aldosterone.

The medicine is very effective in hypertension(heavy and moderate severity). The product perfectly reduces blood pressure and maintains its optimal level throughout the day. In addition, it prevents an increase in this indicator in the morning.

You need to take the medicine once a day, 1 tablet, as evidenced by the instructions included in the drug “Indapamide”. The price of the product varies on average from 22 to 110 rubles.

Before taking it, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications, since this excellent remedy is not suitable for all patients suffering from hypertension. The drug is not intended for people who have problems with the kidneys or liver. Pregnant and nursing mothers are prohibited from taking the medicine. In case of failures cerebral circulation, anuria, hypokalemia, the drug is contraindicated.

The medicine is a mild diuretic. It is recommended to use it in combination with another diuretic drug, Hydrochlorothiazide. Thanks to this combination, it is possible to reduce the loss of potassium by the body. The drug Triamterene has a beneficial effect. The instructions position it as a potassium-sparing agent.

The medicine should be used strictly according to the prescribed dosage. People with impaired kidney function may experience an unpleasant side effect - increased level potassium Sometimes the product can lead to dehydration. When interacting with folic acid The medicine helps increase red blood cells.

The cost of the product is 316 rubles.

The medicine is a potassium- and magnesium-sparing agent. At the same time, it effectively removes sodium and chlorine from the body. After starting to take the drug, the diuretic effect occurs approximately 2-5 days.

Medicine can be prescribed for hypertension, chronic form heart failure, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome. The use of Spironolactone is effective for swelling in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

The drug is not intended for people diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, renal or liver failure, anuria. It is forbidden to use the product in the first trimester of pregnancy. In case of hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, the drug is contraindicated. It should not be administered to people with Addison's disease.

Can also be observed side effects when using medicine. In some cases, the drug provokes urticaria, itching, drowsiness, headache, diarrhea or constipation.

The cost of the product is about 54 rubles.

Many patients are interested in the opinions of those people who are already taking diuretic pills. Reviews usually contain information about effectiveness and side effects.

People facing a hypertensive crisis confirm that the drug Furosemide can help very quickly and effectively. However, at the same time, they emphasize that the drug should be used only as prescribed by a doctor and in recommended doses.

The effectiveness of the product is also confirmed by pregnant women who use the drug in the last months of pregnancy. Patients claim that it perfectly relieved swelling.

However, abusing the drug is strictly prohibited. After all, the drug "Furosemide" is quite easily addictive. In addition, the product removes potassium from the body. After long-term use, patients may experience seizures.

The drug “Indapamide” is in high demand. Hypertensive patients are often prescribed this remedy. There is an opinion among patients that the medicine is well tolerated by the body. In this case, the diuretic effect is favorable. There are no negative opinions about the drug.

The drug Torasemide has a good effect on the body. Patients who take the drug strictly as prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision say that the drug is very effective. It perfectly relieves puffiness. At the same time, patients do not experience any problems in the form of side effects.

Other diuretic tablets also bring favorable results to the body. Reviews of the drug Spironolactone indicate a strong diuretic effect. However, patients claim that the drug should be used only as prescribed by a doctor and in appropriate doses.

Before taking a diuretic, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Besides, important factor in the selection of the necessary medicine is the presence of chronic ailments. You should not take such medications without permission. It is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's instructions. Take the drug at the appointed time (this will avoid unpleasant awakenings at night) and only in the dosage that was prescribed to you. Such simple truths will allow you not to feel severe consequences taking diuretics.

Excessive amounts of fluid in any body can lead to edema, which is a clear sign of the presence of some disease that needs to be treated as soon as possible diagnose and treat. For edema, the doctor usually, in addition to the main treatment, prescribes diuretics, which are sold in abundance in pharmacies, but more often advises taking folk diuretics at home, which are no worse at removing excess fluid from the body and for cleansing.

When to take diuretics

At home, you can prepare decoctions and infusions that can relieve swelling when various diseases. Indications for the use of diuretics are the following diseases:

  • High blood pressure.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Heart diseases.
  • Edema.
  • Kidney diseases.
  • Obesity.
  • Diseases of the gallbladder and liver.

Folk diuretics that can be used at home include not only decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs, but also plain water, juices, berries, fruits.

Recipes for folk diuretics

A good diuretic natural origin considered cranberry. In order to remove excess fluid from the body, you can use not only berries, but also leaves. Cranberry is a natural diuretic plant. Works great for kidney inflammation. Not only removes fluid, but also removes inflammatory process. The berry can be used for hypertension and pregnancy.

  • How to use cranberries

- Berries 2 tbsp. l.

— Water 200 ml.

— Sugar 30 gr.

Place the berries crushed in a blender into a saucepan. Pour water and add sugar. Boil. Cool and drink several times a day.

Cranberry juice is very good drink, which can be taken by pregnant women. It supplies the body with vitamins and removes excess fluid.

  • Cowberry

One more healthy berry which exhibits diuretic properties is lingonberry.

— Lingonberry leaves and fruits 20 gr.

— Water 200 ml.

Place lingonberry fruits and leaves in a thermos and pour boiling water over it. Leave for 1 hour, take a tablespoon three times before lunch, dinner and breakfast. This decoction is choleretic and diuretic folk medicine, which helps with kidney disease and edema.

  • A mixture of cranberries and lingonberries is considered a good natural diuretic drink.

— Cranberry fruits 50 g

— Lingonberry fruits 50 gr.

Grind the berries and pour a glass of hot water. You can add honey to taste and drink three times a day.

  • Strawberries are one of the most delicious homemade diuretics. During the season, you can regularly eat this berry. Strawberry vitamin product how a diuretic fights edema and.
  • Watermelon is a very healthy and effective diuretic product. Using watermelon you can cleanse your kidneys and liver. During the ripening period of watermelon, you need to eat it as often as possible.
  • Cherries are a very tasty, aromatic and also medicinal berry.

Cherry compotes are an excellent diuretic; they can be used for various edema by hypertensive patients and pregnant women, without fear of side effects.

— Cherry 100 gr.

— Water 500 ml.

Place the berries in boiling water and boil for five minutes. Cool and drink in the morning, lunch and evening.

The drink cleanses the kidneys and is used for hypertension and heart disease.

Diuretic juices

Juices, which are used in various combinations, also do an excellent job of removing excess fluid from the body.

  • Birch sap expels salts, fights swelling, is harmless during pregnancy, it should be drunk three times a day, 150 ml.


  • Cranberry and beet juice

— Cranberry juice 150 ml.

Beet juice 100 ml.

Mix fresh ingredients, take 50 ml.

  • Pumpkin

Raw pumpkin has an excellent diuretic effect without irritating the stomach walls. The easiest way to consume it is in juice form. Every day, the juice should always be fresh, drink in small sips throughout the day, but no more than a glass per day.

Safe Diuretic Fruits and Herbs

  • Rose hip

Melon and watermelon melons contribute to good digestion, lower blood pressure, normalize water exchange in organism.

Cucumbers remove excess fluid, cleanse the body of toxins, waste and other harmful accumulations. Cucumber juice is used as a diuretic.

Diuretic fruits that are used to remove excess fluid and relieve swelling are apricots, mangoes, cherries, raspberries, cranberries, viburnum, and apples.

Lemon diuretic

Lemon contains a large amount of vitamin C, which helps remove excess fluid.


  • The first method is lemon zest

Wash the zest of one lemon, dry it and grind it into powder. Take half a teaspoon three times a day with plenty of plain, clean water.

  • Second recipe

In equal proportions you need to mix carrot, lemon and cucumber juice. You need to take 100 ml of each. Drink the product three times a day, diluting it in half with warm water.

  • The third way is lemon with horseradish.

— Three lemons with zest.

— One medium-sized horseradish root.

Wash all products and grind in a meat grinder. Take the mixture for 14 days, a teaspoon twice a day before meals.

In any case, before taking folk diuretics on your own, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.

Diuretic tablets, the list of which is quite impressive, are used in the treatment of poisoning, some injuries (especially when it comes to head injuries), and to combat hypertension. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows not only the mechanism of action of these drugs, but also the side effects that they can cause. And improper use of diuretics can lead to serious complications.

Diuretic tablets are used to treat many ailments. The list of effective drugs continues to grow today. Diuretics are also called diuretics.

Their main goal is to remove excess water, chemicals, and salts from the body, which tend to accumulate in the walls of blood vessels and tissues. In addition, diuretics have a positive effect on water-salt balance.

If a large number of sodium ions accumulate in the body, then subcutaneous tissue begins to be deposited. It has a very negative effect on the functioning of the kidneys, heart, and hematopoietic system. As a result, the patient develops a variety of diseases and disorders.

In addition, diuretics are in great demand in sports medicine. They are often used for weight loss. Very often, diuretics (tablets) are included in complex therapy to combat various ailments.

Based on their effect on the body, modern diuretics are divided into two main forms. The first category of drugs affects the process of urine formation directly in the kidneys. The second form of diuretics is responsible for the hormonal regulation of urine production.

There is a lot of information that diuretic tablets, the list of which is given below, also easily solve cosmetic problems. However, many people believe that such drugs are completely safe. Some women take these medications on their own for weight loss purposes. Athletes widely use drugs before competitions in order to lose weight. Even bodybuilders use them, trying to create artificial dehydration so that the muscles look more prominent.

However, people who take diuretics without a doctor's prescription are at great risk. After all, treatment with diuretics can result in unpleasant consequences. You should know that diuretics can:

  1. Remove potassium from the body, thereby increasing human fatigue.
  2. Provoke salt deposition.
  3. Increase the risk of diabetes because they increase levels of “bad” cholesterol.
  4. Increase urination, causing sleep disturbance.
  5. Create problems for men with potency.

Quite often, even those patients who understand the risk believe that the newest drugs “Indapamide”, “Torasemide”, “Arifon” do not have a detrimental effect on metabolism. Such medications are indeed much better tolerated than older generation medications. However, they are also harmful to health. But the negative impact of these funds is revealed much later. It is enough to understand the mechanism of their action. Medicines of the new and old generation are aimed at one thing - to stimulate the kidneys to work more intensively. Consequently, they excrete more salt and water.

It is important to understand that fluid retention in the body is a symptom of a serious illness. Swelling cannot occur on its own. It is provoked by serious disruptions in the functioning of the kidneys, heart, and sometimes other reasons. Consequently, diuretics are drugs (their list is very extensive) with exclusively symptomatic action. Unfortunately, they do not get rid of the cause of the disease. Thus, medications only delay the unpleasant ending for patients. Therefore, people who want to improve their health and fight a real disease should not make do with diuretics alone, much less use them themselves.

To this day, there is no single system according to which all diuretics are divided, since all drugs have different chemical structures and have different effects on the body systems. Therefore, it is impossible to create an ideal classification.

Often the division occurs according to the mechanism of action. According to this classification, there are:

  1. Thiazide drugs. They are excellent for treating hypertension and are excellent for lowering blood pressure. It is recommended to use them in parallel with other medications. Thiazides can negatively affect metabolism, so such diuretics are prescribed in small quantities. Drugs (a list of only the most popular ones is given in the article) from this group are “Ezidrex”, “Hydrochlorothiazide”, “Chlorthalidone”, “Indapamide”, “Hypothiazide”, “Arifon”.
  2. Loop means. They remove salt and fluid from the body due to their effect on kidney filtration. These medications have a rapid diuretic effect. Loop diuretics do not affect cholesterol levels and do not create preconditions for the occurrence of diabetes mellitus. However, their biggest drawback is the many side effects. The most common drugs are Torasemide, Furosemide, Ethacrynic acid, Bumetanide.
  3. Potassium-sparing agents. Quite an extensive group of drugs. Such medications help increase the excretion of chloride and sodium from the body. At the same time, the removal of potassium is minimized by such diuretic tablets. List of the most popular drugs: Amiloride, Triamterene, Spironolactone.
  4. Aldosterone antagonists. These diuretics block the natural hormone that retains salt and moisture in the body. Drugs that neutralize aldosterone promote fluid removal. At the same time, the potassium content in the body does not decrease. The most popular representative is “Veroshpiron”.

For good effect, potent agents can be used. The following diuretic tablets are used for edema:

Medium-strength diuretic tablets can also be used for edema:

Such drugs are used for a long time and continuously. The recommended dose is determined by the attending physician. As a rule, it is about 25 mg per day.

For minor edema, potassium-sparing diuretics, such as Spironolactone, Amiloride, and Triamterene, are more suitable. They are taken in courses (2-3 weeks) at daily intervals.

Diuretic medications that are used for high blood pressure fall into two categories:

  1. Remedies that have a quick effect. Such drugs are used during a hypertensive crisis, when there is a need to quickly reduce blood pressure.
  2. Products for daily use. Medicines help maintain optimal blood pressure levels.

Potent medications can stop a hypertensive crisis. The most popular drug is Furosemide. Its price is low. The following remedies are no less effective during a crisis:

The duration of taking the above medications can be 1-3 days. After stopping the crisis, they switch from such potent drugs to medications that can maintain blood pressure at the required level every day.

These medications are taken daily as prescribed by your doctor. They perfectly maintain the optimal pressure level.

Drugs for heart failure

As a result of this pathology, fluid retention in the body often occurs. This phenomenon creates stagnation of blood in the lungs. The patient exhibits many unpleasant symptoms, such as shortness of breath, swelling, enlarged liver, and wheezing in the heart.

For people with heart failure, the doctor must introduce a diuretic into therapy. It perfectly prevents severe consequences such as pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock. At the same time, diuretics increase patients' tolerance to physical activity.

For patients with the first and second degrees of the disease, a good diuretic is a thiazide drug. In case of more serious pathology, the patient is transferred to a strong drug - a loop diuretic. In some cases, the drug Spironolactone is additionally prescribed. It is especially important to take such a remedy if the patient has developed hypokalemia.

If the effect of using the drug Furosemide weakens, cardiologists recommend replacing it with the drug Torasemide. It has been noted that the latter remedy has a more beneficial effect on the body in severe forms of heart failure.

The medicine is a fast-acting diuretic. Its effect occurs after taking it for 20 minutes. The duration of the drug's effect is about 4-5 hours.

This remedy is effective not only for stopping a hypertensive crisis. According to the instructions, the medicine helps with heart failure, swelling of the brain and lungs, and chemical poisoning. It is often prescribed for late toxicosis during pregnancy.

However, the product also has strict contraindications. The drug is not used in the first trimester of pregnancy. It should not be used by patients with renal failure, people who have hypoglycemia, or urinary tract obstruction.

The cost of the drug "Furosemide" is low. The price is approximately 19 rubles.

The medicine is a fast-acting remedy. The drug "Furosemide" undergoes biotransformation in the kidneys, so it is not suitable for all patients. A more effective medicine for people suffering from kidney diseases is the drug "Torasemide", since it undergoes biotransformation in the liver. But with pathologies of this organ, the medicine can cause serious harm.

After just 15 minutes, the effect on the body begins (as stated in the instructions for use attached to the drug "Torasemide"). The price of the product varies from 205 to 655 rubles.

Long-term studies have confirmed the high effectiveness of the drug in heart failure. In addition, the drug perfectly removes salts and liquid. At the same time, the loss of potassium by the body is insignificant, since the effective remedy blocks the hormone aldosterone.

The medicine is very effective for hypertension (severe and moderate). The product perfectly reduces blood pressure and maintains its optimal level throughout the day. In addition, it prevents an increase in this indicator in the morning.

You need to take the medicine once a day, 1 tablet, as evidenced by the instructions included in the drug “Indapamide”. The price of the product varies on average from 22 to 110 rubles.

Before taking it, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications, since this excellent remedy is not suitable for all patients suffering from hypertension. The drug is not intended for people who have problems with the kidneys or liver. Pregnant and nursing mothers are prohibited from taking the medicine. In case of cerebral circulation failure, anuria, hypokalemia, the drug is contraindicated.

The medicine is a mild diuretic. It is recommended to use it in combination with another diuretic drug, Hydrochlorothiazide. Thanks to this combination, it is possible to reduce the loss of potassium by the body. The drug Triamterene has a beneficial effect. The instructions position it as a potassium-sparing agent.

The medicine should be used strictly according to the prescribed dosage. People with impaired kidney function may experience an unpleasant side effect: increased potassium levels. Sometimes the product can lead to dehydration. When interacting with folic acid, the medicine helps increase red blood cells.

The cost of the product is 316 rubles.

The medicine is a potassium- and magnesium-sparing agent. At the same time, it effectively removes sodium and chlorine from the body. After starting to take the drug, the diuretic effect occurs approximately 2-5 days.

The medicine can be prescribed for hypertension, chronic heart failure, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome. The use of Spironolactone is effective for swelling in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

The drug is not intended for people diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, renal or liver failure, or anuria. It is forbidden to use the product in the first trimester of pregnancy. In case of hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, the drug is contraindicated. It should not be administered to people with Addison's disease.

Side effects may also occur when taking the medicine. In some cases, the drug provokes urticaria, itching, drowsiness, headache, diarrhea or constipation.

The cost of the product is about 54 rubles.

Many patients are interested in the opinions of those people who are already taking diuretic pills. Reviews usually contain information about effectiveness and side effects.

People facing a hypertensive crisis confirm that the drug Furosemide can help very quickly and effectively. However, at the same time, they emphasize that the drug should be used only as prescribed by a doctor and in recommended doses.

The effectiveness of the product is also confirmed by pregnant women who use the drug in the last months of pregnancy. Patients claim that it perfectly relieved swelling.

However, abusing the drug is strictly prohibited. After all, the drug "Furosemide" is quite easily addictive. In addition, the product removes potassium from the body. After long-term use, patients may experience seizures.

The drug “Indapamide” is in high demand. Hypertensive patients are often prescribed this remedy. There is an opinion among patients that the medicine is well tolerated by the body. In this case, the diuretic effect is favorable. There are no negative opinions about the drug.

The drug Torasemide has a good effect on the body. Patients who take the drug strictly as prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision say that the drug is very effective. It perfectly relieves puffiness. At the same time, patients do not experience any problems in the form of side effects.

Other diuretic tablets also bring favorable results to the body. Reviews of the drug Spironolactone indicate a strong diuretic effect. However, patients claim that the drug should be used only as prescribed by a doctor and in appropriate doses.

Before taking a diuretic, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. In addition, an important factor in selecting the necessary medicine is the presence of chronic ailments. You should not take such medications without permission. It is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's instructions. Take the drug at the appointed time (this will avoid unpleasant awakenings at night) and only in the dosage that was prescribed to you. Such simple truths will allow you not to experience the severe consequences of taking diuretics.

The power of immunity

But in severe cases You need to not only limit drinking, but also take diuretic medications. Furosemide is a diuretic fast action, a strong diuretic that removes chlorine and sodium from the body. A fairly common question: “How often can you take a diuretic for edema?” Diuretic medications are often prescribed for heart failure to remove excess fluid from the body. The diuretic effect after taking loop diuretics occurs very quickly.

To understand how to take diuretics correctly, you need to know the pharmacodynamics of each group. Even long-term use does not weaken the diuretic effect. Some diuretics of this group (Spironolactone, Veroshpiron) exhibit a diuretic effect only on day 2. Typically, such drugs are combined with other diuretics when potassium loss is undesirable.

It is suitable for people who do not have serious illnesses kidney On this diet, you can loosen fluid restrictions and reduce the dosage of diuretics. Diuretic medications for heart failure should be taken every day, at least once a day or more often. You cannot take any breaks on your own initiative.

Loop diuretics

Talk to your doctor about how much salt you can eat. Diuretics not only remove extra salt and fluid from the body, but also lower blood pressure. Treatment of moderate heart failure is recommended to begin with thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics. Let us remember that “main” diuretic drugs do not eliminate the cause of the disease, but only muffle the symptoms. Despite the serious side effects of diuretic medications, if you have heart failure, they should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Because no other means help get rid of swelling.

In every special case Only the doctor should determine the duration of taking the drugs. These are drugs with high activity and natriuretic effect (Furosemide, Torasemide, Uregit). But also side effects loop diuretics have a lot. They are prescribed in serious cases of hypertension and CHF, swelling of various origins (CHF, liver and kidney disease) for a long period.

IN large doses drugs negatively affect metabolism and increase the risk of diabetes. They are prescribed as additional remedy to avoid potassium loss. The diuretic effect appears on the 5th day of administration and lasts 3 days. The hypotensive effect appears in the 3rd week of treatment. It should be noted that diuretics muffle the symptoms, but do not affect the causes of the disease and, if used incorrectly, can lead to irreversible conditions.

Thiazide diuretics

It should also be noted that swelling is only a symptom of a disease. To take diuretics correctly, you must adhere to the basic principles. All this data must be provided to your doctor so that in the future he can adjust the dosage of the drug, replace it with another, or add another medicine.

The action of thiazide diuretics is based on the removal of sodium, chlorine and, to a lesser extent, potassium. The advantage of the drugs is that they are not addictive. But despite this, it is not recommended to take it for more than 7 days in a row.

Potassium-sparing diuretics

The maintenance phase consists of continuously taking medications. For kidney disease and the appearance of edema, diuretics based on medicinal herbal extracts (Canephron N, Cyston, Fitolysin, Urolesan) are prescribed. The dosage and frequency of administration should be prescribed by the doctor depending on the patient’s problem.

Cleansing the intestines will rid the body of toxins and harmful substances and will help in the process of losing weight. But we should not forget about proper nutrition. Furosemide relieves swelling during dangerous diseases and should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. But in recent years it has become a popular means of losing weight.

After taking the drug, active removal of water that has accumulated in the body begins. Losing weight with the help of Furosemide refers to express methods, that is, methods by which you can quickly reduce body weight and get rid of excess fluid in the body. Furosemide should be taken with caution by children, nursing mothers, pregnant women and the elderly. These drugs are also called diuretics.

It is correct to take fast-acting diuretic tablets once in the morning. It is not recommended to exceed the prescribed dose. There are active and maintenance phases of treatment with loop diuretics. Before taking Furosemide diuretic tablets for weight loss, you should think about the harm to health.

When should you take a diuretic?

One of the common symptoms of disease is swelling. To remove excess fluid from organs and tissues, you can take a diuretic. Diuretics help clear the kidneys of accumulated sodium and chlorine salts. In case of obesity, drugs are taken to lose weight. For maximum results When using diuretics, you must follow the rules for their use.

Mechanism of action of diuretics

Diuretics, or diuretics, affect the functioning of the kidneys, that is, they help increase fluid excretion. This leads to more strong education urine and its frequent excretion. Due to their properties, diuretics reduce the absorption of salts in the renal tubules. As a result of this, their intensive removal occurs along with excess fluid. Thanks to this, swelling of organs and tissues is reduced, the load on the heart is reduced and blood pressure is normalized.

What are the basic admission rules?

Only a specialist can choose the right diuretic. Unauthorized decisions to use diuretics lead to an imbalance of substances in the body. The doctor prescribes the drug based on the results of laboratory tests of urine and blood, as well as based on the patient’s existing complaints and illnesses. To monitor the effectiveness of the diuretic taken, the patient provides the attending physician with measured data. Based on the obtained figures, the doctor adjusts the dosage of the drug. Important among them are:

  • the amount of liquid drunk and that which left the body;
  • morning and evening pressure readings;
  • volumes of swelling;
  • patient's weight.

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In what cases should you take a diuretic?

Tissue swelling is a consequence of the disease, one of the symptoms. Therefore, diuretics are prescribed as an addition to the main therapy. Among the body conditions that require the use of diuretics are edema, blood pressure surges, pregnancy, heart muscle failure and diabetes. Using a diuretic drug for weight loss is dangerous for the body, as it leads to disruption of the level of salt and fluid in the body.

For swelling

Swelling is one of the symptoms of the disease. To correctly prescribe a diuretic, it is necessary to identify the root cause of edema. Kidney diseases, in which the organ cannot cope with the removal of fluid and sodium salts in sufficient quantities, provoke the appearance of bags under the eyes. Disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system lead to swelling of the legs. Depending on the disease that led to the swelling, the doctor prescribes a certain type of diuretic and its dosage. Excessive swelling of the legs is a consequence of obesity or severe physical work. In this case, the use of diuretics will not have any effect. All you have to do is change your lifestyle and reduce the stress on your body.

Under pressure

Diuretic tablets can normalize high blood pressure. This happens due to increased fluid excretion through urine. By reducing water in the body, the load on the body is reduced. cardiovascular system. At the initial stages of treatment, the doctor prescribes minimal doses of a diuretic. When the blood pressure normalizes after using it, the patient continues to take the diuretic. Otherwise, the doctor adjusts the treatment.

What can you drink during pregnancy?

Swelling during pregnancy appears in the 3rd trimester. This symptom may indicate problems with the kidneys, heart or liver. However, the cause of swelling may be excessive air temperature. In any case, if they are present, it is better to more carefully monitor the health of the expectant mother. Neglect of such a symptom is harmful to the child. At the same time, self-medicate and traditional medicine not worth it. Even seemingly harmless herbs and berries can harm a pregnant woman and child. Strawberries, juniper and parsley should be taken with caution. Approved diuretic tablets include Canephron, Phytolysin and Eufillin. Each of them is safe for the expectant mother and child, but it is important to follow the dosage and regimen of use.

For heart failure

In heart failure, 40–50% more blood passes through the organ. Such a volume does not have time to be saturated with oxygen sufficiently for normal operation human systems. Increased fluid and nitrate retention occurs due to kidney and liver damage, which occurs as a result of poor oxygen saturation. As a result, the patient suffers from edema. The simultaneous use of diuretics and drugs for heart failure eliminates the symptoms of the disease for different stages. Long-term use Diuretics are addictive, so you should change them gradually. The purpose of the drugs is to reduce the patient’s weight and relieve swelling.

How to take a diuretic without harm to the body?

Diuretics are classified according to their principle of action. There are thiazide, loop, potassium-sparing and natural diuretics. The rules of administration and the corresponding dosages depend specifically on the class of diuretic. Purpose certain type diuretics is determined by the patient's disease.

Thiazide diuretics

Sodium and chlorine salts are removed. With prolonged use, the strength of action does not decrease, and addiction to the diuretic does not occur. The visible effect of the product occurs within 2 hours. Diuretic tablets are effective for 12 hours. Treatment rules:

  • After a week of use, it is recommended to take a break of at least 4 days.
  • Treatment begins with minimal doses to prevent adverse reactions.
  • Along with diuretics, a diet with increased content potassium

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Should loop diuretics be taken in the morning or evening?

The effect occurs after 1 hour and lasts up to 4 hours. The use of loop diuretics requires careful monitoring of potassium levels in the blood. In case of low levels, a diet high in potassium and potassium-containing drugs are prescribed. Take tablets once a day, in the morning. The course of treatment is started with minimal doses and the regimen is adjusted if necessary.

Potassium-sparing diuretics

Along with the abundant excretion of sodium salts, diuretics of this group do not reduce the potassium content in the blood. For this reason, the doctor does not prescribe additional intake of potassium-containing drugs. The effect occurs 2 hours after taking the tablet, but some diuretics of this class manifest themselves only after 2 days of use. In this case, the specialist prescribes another diuretic to the patient. Potassium-sparing medications should be taken once a day. According to the rules, it is recommended to drink the required dose on an empty stomach.

Natural (herbal) diuretics

The mechanism of action of diuretic drugs in this group is based on the properties of medicinal herbs. Experts prescribe drugs in the form of solutions or pastes. In the first case, water is used to dissolve the required dose. To reduce the unpleasant taste, juice or other liquid is added to the product. Diuretics in the form of a paste are also dissolved in water and taken after a meal. Along with the use of a herbal diuretic, marinades, spices and sauces are prohibited. You need to drink at least 2 liters of non-carbonated mineral water per day.

How often to take and how to get off a diuretic?

Stopping the use of diuretics should be gradual. This is especially true for patients with unstable blood pressure. Abrupt refusal of diuretics leads to complications of existing diseases. For correct termination Use of medications should gradually reduce the dose. The schedule for how much is better to take, how often and when to stop is drawn up by the attending physician.

Adverse symptoms of diuretic use

Self-medication and incorrect dosage of a diuretic drug can cause negative health consequences. This happens due to excessive excretion of calcium and potassium salts along with the liquid. As a result, disturbances in the functioning of the heart and kidneys occur. Against the background of a deficiency of these elements, arrhythmia, fatigue and muscle cramps are observed. Patients also report headaches, increased sweating, unreasonable anxiety, sore throat and cough. An allergy to the components of a diuretic drug causes a rash and itching. When taking a diuretic at night, insomnia may occur due to frequent urination. It is often not recommended to use a diuretic, as it will have the opposite effect - dehydration.

Why doesn't a diuretic help?

The causes of swelling are various diseases. To maximize the effect of a diuretic, it is necessary to clearly determine which disease was the root cause of fluid retention in the body. Only after making a diagnosis can a specialist prescribe a diuretic that will bring the most pronounced results. One of the reasons for its ineffectiveness is the site of action of the drug. Loop diuretics are closer to the kidney and have the most effective effect. The second most effective are thiazide drugs. The effect of potassium-sparing diuretics occurs later than others. A diuretic drug that will help the patient as much as possible should be prescribed by the attending physician. Self-medication leads to complications of diseases.

During pregnancy, due to severe swelling at 7 months, the doctor prescribed Canephron to me. Of course, I didn’t want to resort to medications, but I had to. This is the only time I've taken diuretics so far. And drinking them without a doctor’s prescription is the height of human stupidity, I think. You shouldn't play with your kidneys; it could end badly.

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Diuretics (diuretics) - classification, action, indications for use. Diuretics for weight loss

General classification of diuretics

  • Natural diuretics (herbal infusions, certain foods, herbal teas, etc.);
  • Diuretic drugs ( various tablets and solutions for intravenous administration).

In addition, depending on the purpose, diuretics are divided into the following categories:

1. Strong (“ceiling”) diuretics used for quick fix edema, decreased blood pressure, removal of toxic substances from the body in case of poisoning, etc.;

2. Diuretics used for a long time in the composition complex therapy diseases of the heart, kidneys and urinary tract;

3. Diuretics used to control urinary output during various diseases(For example, diabetes mellitus, gout, etc.).

Diuretic drugs (tablets, solutions for infusion) - classification

1. Strong (powerful, “ceiling”) diuretics (Furosemide, ethacrynic acid, Bumetamide, Torsemide and Peritanide) are used to quickly eliminate edema of various origins and lowering blood pressure. The drugs are used once, as needed, they are not used in courses;

2. Medium-strength diuretics (Dichlorothiazide, Hypothiazide, Indapamide, Clopamide, Chlorthalidone) are used in long courses in the composition complex treatment arterial hypertension, diabetes insipidus, glaucoma, edema syndrome in cardiac or renal failure etc.;

3. Potassium-sparing diuretics (Triamterene, Amiloride and Spironolactone) are weak, but they do not remove potassium ions from the body. Potassium-sparing diuretics are used in combination with other diuretics that remove calcium in order to minimize the loss of ions;

4. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (Diacarb and Dichlorphenamide) are weak diuretics. Used to reduce intracranial and intraocular pressure under various conditions;

5. Osmotic diuretics (mannitol, urea, glycerin and potassium acetate) are very strong, so they are used in the complex treatment of acute conditions, such as cerebral and pulmonary edema, an attack of glaucoma, shock, sepsis, peritonitis, lack of urination, as well as for accelerated elimination various substances in case of poisoning or overdose medicines.

Potent diuretics - names of drugs, general characteristics, indications and contraindications for use, side effects

The drugs are effective even for any degree of renal failure, so they can be used regardless of glomerular filtration rates. However, daily use of potent diuretics causes addiction and weakens their therapeutic effect. Therefore, to maintain the desired effect, drugs are used in short courses with breaks between them.

  • Pulmonary edema;
  • Poisoning with various substances;
  • Overdose of drugs;
  • Hypercalcemia.

Contraindications to the use of potent diuretics are the presence of the following conditions in a person:

  • Anuria (lack of urination);
  • Severe dehydration of the body;
  • Severe sodium deficiency in the body;
  • Hypersensitivity to drugs.

The side effects of diuretics are caused by disturbances in water-electrolyte balance due to the excretion of water and ions.

  • Arterial hypotension;
  • Vascular collapse;
  • Thromboembolism of various vessels;
  • Encephalopathy in people suffering from liver disease;
  • Arrhythmia;
  • Convulsions;
  • Hearing impairment up to deafness (develops with intravenous administration of drugs);
  • Increased glucose concentration and uric acid in blood;
  • An increase in the concentration of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) with a parallel decrease in the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL);
  • Skin rash;
  • Photosensitivity;
  • Paresthesia (feeling of goosebumps, etc.);
  • Decrease in the total number of platelets in the blood;
  • Disorders of the digestive tract.

The most commonly used drugs currently are Torsemide, Furosemide and ethacrynic acid. The choice of a specific drug is made by the doctor, however, in principle, any drug can be used, since the differences are minor.

Medium strength diuretics - names of drugs, general characteristics, indications and contraindications for use, side effects

Indications for the use of moderate-strength thiazide diuretics are the following conditions:

  • Chronic edema due to heart failure, liver cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome;
  • Glaucoma;
  • Diabetes insipidus;
  • Oxalate kidney stones;
  • Edema syndrome of newborns.

Thiazide drugs are most widely used for long-term treatment hypertension outside periods of exacerbation. Typically, drugs are prescribed in small doses (no more than 25 mg per day), since this amount is sufficient to develop a pronounced antihypertensive effect. A persistent decrease in blood pressure usually develops after 2 to 4 weeks of regular use of thiazide diuretics, with the most pronounced effect observed with Indapamide. That is why Indapamide is the drug of choice for the treatment of hypertension.

  • Increased sensitivity to sulfa drugs(for example, Biseptol, Groseptol, etc.);
  • Pregnancy.

Side effects of moderate-strength diuretics are caused by changes in the water-electrolyte balance in the human body, as well as associated disruptions in the functioning of various organs and systems. With the use of thiazide diuretics, the concentration of magnesium, potassium, sodium and chlorine ions in the blood decreases (hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia), but the content of calcium and uric acid increases (hypercalcemia, hyperuricemia). Side effects of thiazide diuretics caused by water and electrolyte imbalance include the following:

The greatest danger among the side effects of thiazide diuretics is a decrease in potassium levels in the blood. That is why thiazide diuretics are not recommended for use simultaneously with antiarrhythmic drugs.

Potassium-sparing diuretics - names of drugs, general characteristics, indications and contraindications for use, side effects

Indications for the use of potassium-sparing diuretics are the following conditions:

  • Primary hyperaldosteronism;
  • Secondary hyperaldosteronism caused by chronic heart failure, liver cirrhosis or nephropathic syndrome;
  • Comprehensive treatment of arterial hypertension;
  • In combination with other diuretics that cause increased excretion of potassium from the body (potent, medium-strength carbonic anhydrase inhibitors);
  • Gout;
  • Diabetes;
  • To enhance the effect of cardiac glycosides (for example, Strophanthin, Korglykon, Digoxin, etc.).

The main use of potassium-sparing diuretics is their combination with other diuretics to compensate for potassium excretion. As independent medications For the treatment of edema and hypertension, potassium-sparing diuretics are not used because their effect is too weak.

  • Hyperkalemia;
  • Cirrhosis of the liver;
  • Hyponatremia;
  • Acute renal failure;
  • Severe form of chronic renal failure.

Potassium-sparing diuretics may cause the following side effects:

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors - names of drugs, general characteristics, indications and contraindications for use, side effects

  • Acute attack of glaucoma;
  • Promotion intracranial pressure;
  • Petite epileptic seizure;
  • Poisoning with barbiturates (Phenobarbital, etc.) or salicylates (Aspirin, etc.);
  • During chemotherapy for malignant tumors;
  • Prevention of mountain sickness.

The main area of ​​use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors is the treatment of glaucoma, reduction of intraocular and intracranial pressure. Currently, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are not used for the treatment of edema syndrome due to the presence of more effective means, but if necessary, drugs can be used for this condition.

  • Uremia (increased concentration of urea in the blood);
  • Decompensated diabetes mellitus;
  • Severe respiratory failure.

Side effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors include the following:

  • Encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis;
  • Formation of kidney stones;
  • Renal colic;
  • Decreased concentrations of sodium and potassium in the blood (hypokalemia and hyponatremia);
  • Suppression of hematopoietic processes in the bone marrow;
  • Skin rash;
  • Drowsiness;
  • Paresthesia (feeling of goosebumps, etc.).

Osmotic diuretics - names of drugs, general characteristics, indications and contraindications for use, side effects

  • Brain swelling caused by any factor (shock, brain tumor, abscess, etc.);
  • Pulmonary edema caused by toxic effect gasoline, turpentine or formaldehyde;
  • Edema of the larynx;
  • Poisoning with drugs from the group of barbiturates (Phenobarbital, etc.), salicylates (Aspirin, etc.), sulfonamides (Biseptol, etc.) or boric acid;
  • Transfusion of incompatible blood;
  • Acute attack of glaucoma;
  • Acute conditions that can lead to death, such as shock, burns, sepsis, peritonitis or osteomyelitis;
  • Poisoning with hemolytic poisons (for example, paints, solvents, etc.).

Osmotic diuretics are used only during acute conditions. When a person’s condition normalizes and stabilizes, diuretics are discontinued.

Side effects of diuretics - video

Diuretics for edema

The above drugs must be taken intermittently, that is, in short courses with intervals between them. An intermittent regimen of administration is necessary in order to avoid addiction and a strong decrease in the severity of therapeutic effect. Usually the drugs are taken at a dose of 5–20 mg once a day, until the swelling subsides. Then they take a break for 2–4 weeks, after which the course is repeated again.

Medium strength diuretics (thiazide diuretics) to eliminate edema should be taken 25 mg once a day. The course of treatment should be continuous and long-term, no breaks are required.

Diuretics for blood pressure (hypertension)

1. Drugs to relieve hypertensive crisis, that is, to quickly lower excessively high blood pressure;

2. Drugs for permanent treatment hypertension, necessary to maintain blood pressure within normal values.

Diuretics during pregnancy

The best diuretics

Effective diuretics

Strong diuretic

Mild diuretics

Safe diuretics

Natural (natural, folk) diuretics

Herbal diuretics – herbs, teas, foods

The above products are regular use will help not only eliminate swelling and remove excess fluid from the body, but also saturate it with vitamins and microelements, due to which the severe side effects characteristic of tablets will be completely eliminated. To obtain a diuretic effect, you can consume the above products as in in kind, and in the form of juices. However, in order for a diuretic effect to develop, products should not be exposed to heat treatment, they can only be consumed fresh.

  • Rose hip tea, used to eliminate swelling after surgery or antibiotic therapy. To prepare, chop 2 - 3 teaspoons of rose hips and brew in a glass of boiling water. Ready tea to drink throughout the day. You can drink rosehip tea for 10 days, after which you take a break for 7–10 days, after which the course can be repeated;
  • Cat's whisker tea used for kidney diseases. Take for 4 – 6 months with 5-day breaks every month;
  • A decoction of flax seeds. Pour a teaspoon of flax seeds into a liter of boiling water, boil for 15 minutes, then leave for 1 hour. Drink the finished infusion half a glass every 2 hours;
  • Infusion of birch leaves used to treat edema in heart and kidney diseases. Grind 100 g fresh leaves birch and pour 0.5 liters of warm water, leave for 6 - 7 hours. Strain and squeeze the mixture, put on flat surface until sediment appears, which is filtered through several layers of gauze. Drink a tablespoon of pure infusion 3 times a day;
  • Bearberry leaf tea used for inflammatory diseases Bladder, ureters and urethra. For one serving, take 0.5 - 1 g of bearberry leaves and pour a glass of water, leave for 5 - 10 minutes, and then drink. They drink tea 3–5 times a day;
  • Infusion of lingonberry leaves used for inflammation of the urinary tract. To prepare the infusion, pour 1 - 2 g of leaves into a glass of water, infuse and drink 3 - 4 times a day.

Homemade diuretics

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Before taking diuretics for edema, you need to consult a doctor about the problem and find out the cause of fluid retention. You should not use diuretics yourself, as they change the salt balance, thereby causing adverse reactions. It should also be noted that swelling is only a symptom of a disease. It is impossible to manage with diuretics alone. Therefore, how to take diuretic tablets correctly should be consulted with a specialist who, taking into account the interaction of drugs, the patient’s condition and his concomitant diseases, will select correct dosage and appointment time.

What should the patient consider?

To take diuretics correctly, you must adhere to the basic principles. Every day you need to measure the following parameters and write them down in a notebook:

  • Monitoring fluid intake and excretion throughout the day.
  • Blood pressure measurement (morning, evening).
  • Measure body weight.
  • Measure the volume of the abdomen and legs (depending on the location of the edema).

All this data must be provided to your doctor so that in the future he can adjust the dosage of the drug, replace it with another, or add another medicine. If there is bad feeling(dizziness, nausea or other negative sensations) you should immediately notify your doctor.

Not all diuretics have the same mechanism of action. Among them there are: potassium-sparing (Vershpiron, Triamterene), loop (Furosemide), thiazide (Hypothiazide), herbal. To understand how to take diuretics correctly, you need to know the pharmacodynamics of each group.

Thiazide diuretics

The action of thiazide diuretics is based on the removal of sodium, chlorine and, to a lesser extent, potassium. The advantage of the drugs is that they are not addictive. Even long-term use does not weaken the diuretic effect. But despite this, it is not recommended to take it for more than 7 days in a row. If necessary, take a break of 4 days and resume treatment.

Thiazide drugs are rapidly absorbed and begin to act within 2 hours. A single dose of the tablet prolongs the diuretic effect for up to 12 hours. Thiazides are usually prescribed in small doses to reduce side effects. To prevent the leaching of potassium salts, it is recommended to follow a diet that includes dried apricots (peach or apricot), bananas, baked potatoes, prunes and other foods high in potassium.

Loop diuretics

The diuretic effect after taking loop diuretics occurs very quickly. After taking the tablets, fluid removal begins within an hour and lasts about four hours. But such an effect on the body increases the risk of disrupting the ion balance. To avoid complications, it is recommended to use potassium supplements (Asparkam, Kalinor, Panangin). Long-term use of loop diuretics requires correction of potassium metabolism.

It is correct to take fast-acting diuretic tablets once in the morning. It is not recommended to exceed the prescribed dose. There are active and maintenance phases of treatment with loop diuretics. Begin therapy with a moderate dose, which is gradually increased if necessary. The maintenance phase consists of continuously taking medications.

Potassium-sparing diuretics

Potassium-sparing diuretics remove sodium along with urine and completely retain potassium content. Therefore, when taking diuretics of this group, drugs that replenish potassium are not prescribed. The diuretic effect may occur after 2 hours. It is usually recommended to take diuretics once a day during the day. If the level of urea in the blood increases, the drug is taken every other day.

Some diuretics of this group (Spironolactone, Veroshpiron) exhibit a diuretic effect only on day 2. Typically, such drugs are combined with other diuretics when potassium loss is undesirable. If you need to take the medicine 2 times a day, then take the first dose in the morning and the second in the afternoon. Herbal diuretics

For kidney disease and the appearance of edema, diuretics based on medicinal herbal extracts (Canephron N, Cyston, Fitolysin, Urolesan) are prescribed. The dosage and frequency of administration should be prescribed by the doctor depending on the patient’s problem. If a diuretic is prescribed in solution, then the required dose must be diluted with water before taking. To soften bad taste can be diluted with other liquids (juice, compote).

If diuretics in the form of a paste (Phytolysin) are prescribed, take them correctly after first dissolving them in warm water. The resulting suspension is drunk after meals. During therapy with herbal diuretics, irritating foods (spices, smoked meats, marinades) are excluded from the diet and the volume of liquid is increased to 2 liters. If allergic reactions occur, the drugs are discontinued.

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