Diuretics
Also called as Water Pills as this group of drugs lower the blood pressure by excreting excess water and sodium. Originally Diuretics enhance the rate of urine excretion - diuresis. These drugs are prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, (High blood pressure), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Edema, a condition in which excess fluid is accumulated in the body tissues.
Even caffeine, alcohol and some fruit extracts and juices like that of cranberry juice have mild diuretic effect.
Types of Diuretics
Loop type diuretics:
- Furosemide
- brand name Lasix
- Bumetanide
- brand name Bumex
- Torsemide
- brand name Demadex
- Ethacrynic acid
- brand name Edecrin
Potassium retaining Diuretics:
- Spironolactone
- brand name Aldactone
- Triamterene
- brand name Dyrenium
- Amiloride
- brand name Midamor
Thiazide Diuretics:
- Methyclothiazide
- brand name Aquatensen
- hydroflumethiazide
- brand name Diucardin
- Chlorothiazide
- brand name Diuril
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- brand name Hydro chlor
Sometimes a combination of the diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene is also prescribed.
Anorexia Bulimia
Anorexia bulimia is another eating disorder that involves binge eating. Persons suffering from anorexia bulimia tend to swing between anorexia nervosa and bulimia. They always perceive themselves to be fatter than that they really are. People with anorexia bulimia go through bouts of binge eating, often accompanied by uncontrolled and chaotic eating behavior. This is usually followed by self-induced vomiting or excessive use of laxatives and diuretics in the quest to keep a perfect body shape. People with bulimia usually weigh within the normal range for their age and height. However, like anorexics, they are intensely dissatisfied with their bodies.
Repeated behavior to compensate for the binging and prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications (purging), fasting, or excessive exercise. This body abuse can lead to severe life threatening problems such as depression, heart damage, kidney damage and damage to other parts of the digestive system. The extremes of overeating and the subsequent purging of the food from the body can lead to mental trauma.
potassium gluconate
Indication
This is a potassium supplement useful in those prone to low blood potassium.
Side effects
Numbness and tingling of the extremities, confusion, weakness, arrhythmias, ECG changes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, GI ulcerations, GI bleeding, intestinal obstruction, and intestinal perforation.
Interactions and precautions
1. Should not be used in cases of severe kidney disease, acute dehydration, or those who are using potassium sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone, triamterene).
2. Enteric coated potassium tablets cannot be recommended due to increased risk of GI bleeding and ulceration.
3. Minimise GI symptoms by taking this medication with food.
Usual dose
Adult and adolescent: oral, elixir, 10-20 mEq of potassium diluted in one-half glass of cold water or juice, two to four times a day; or 5-10 mEq potassium in tablet form, two to four times a day; dosage adjusted to need (up to 100 mEq potassium per day). Paediatrics: individualized per physician.
Bibliography / Reference
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