Cardiac Medications
Diuretics
Diuretics are medications, which help your kidneys to clear your body
of excess fluid. They are used in conditions such as congestive heart
failure and high blood pressure.
When taking a diuretic, you should avoid drinking unusually large amounts
of liquids as this can counter the effect of the diuretic and lead to
dilution of the body’s natural salts.
Diuretics may also result in a loss of potassium, which should be replaced
by including potassium containing foods in your diet. Bananas and citrus
fruits are rich in potassium, as are raisins, dates and green leafy vegetables.
Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement in form of liquid
or tablet.
Examples of diuretic medications include hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide
(Lasix). Take a missed dose of these drugs as soon as possible or within
eight hours if on a single daily dose, within four hours if on twice daily.
Otherwise, skip the missed dose. Take your second dose of the day in late
afternoon to minimize having to get up during the night to pass urine.
Reactions to these medications may occur and those which should be reported
to your physician include: excessive thirst, fever, irregular heart rate,
lethargy, mouth dryness, muscle cramps, skin rash, urgent or burning on
urination, weakness or weak pulse.
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