Discharge Instructions: Taking Diuretics
Your doctor prescribed a type of medication called a diuretic for you. Diuretics help reduce the amount of water in the body. They make you urinate more frequently, flushing water and salts from your body. Diuretics are a treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension) and other conditions.
The name of your diuretic is ___________________________________________________________
Home Care
Follow the fact sheet that came with your medication. It tells you when and how to take your medication. Ask for a sheet if you didn’t get one.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including herbal remedies or over-the-counter drugs.
Plan your activities in advance until you know how this drug affects you.
Take your diuretic in the morning. This drug makes you urinate more. If you take it in the morning, you may not need to use the bathroom during the night. That way, the medication won’t interfere with a good night’s sleep.
Take your medication exactly as directed, even if you feel fine.
Learn to take your own pulse. Keep a record of your results. Ask your doctor which readings mean that you need medical attention.
Possible Side Effects
Tell your doctor if you have any of these side effects. Don’t stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to. Mild side effects include the following:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headache
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Increased sensitivity to light
Nervousness
Stomach cramps with mild pain
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
Blood in your urine or stool or black, tarry stool
Cough or hoarseness
Fever or chills
Lower back or side pain, or muscle cramps or pain
Trouble urinating or pain when you urinate
Pinpoint red spots on skin
Ringing or buzzing in your ears or any hearing loss
Skin rash or hives
Severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Yellow vision or yellowing of your eyes or skin (jaundice)
Increased thirst
Irregular heartbeat or weak pulse