Taking a Diuretic
Your doctor has prescribed a diuretic, or “water pill,” to help your body get rid of excess water and salt. Taking your diuretic can help you feel better and have more energy.
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The name of my diuretic is: ______________________________
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| Take your medication early in the day at the same time each day. |
Medication Tips
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Read the fact sheet that comes with your medication. It tells you when and how to take it. Ask for a sheet if you don’t get one.
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If you take two or more doses each day, take the last one before dinner. That way you’ll get up fewer times during the night to go to the bathroom.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
For Your Safety
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Follow your doctor’s guidelines for eating high-potassium foods.
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Get up slowly when you are sitting or lying down.
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Ask your doctor or pharmacist before you take any other prescription or nonprescription medications or herbal supplements.
Call Your Doctor If You:
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Have diarrhea, constipation, nausea or vomiting.
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Lose your appetite or notice a rapid or excessive weight gain.
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Feel extremely tired or weak.
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Have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
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Have numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips or a ringing in your ears.
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Feel lightheaded when getting up after sitting or lying down.
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Have headaches, blurred vision, or feel a sense of confusion.
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Have muscle cramps or joint pain.
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Have chest pains or changes in your heartbeat.
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Have an excessive thirst or a dry mouth.
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Notice a skin rash.
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Gain more than 3 pounds in 7 days.
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Have any other unusual symptoms.
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Publication Source:
Wilcox CS, Brenner & Rector's The Kidney, 7th ed., Chapter 54 - Diuretics, 2004, pp 2345-2351
Date Last Modified:
3/9/2006