To say that diuretics are dangerous is an understatement so proceed with caution.
Aldactone (spironolactone):
Inhibits the action of aldosterone (an adrenal gland hormone). Prevents the reabsorption of sodium and the excretion of potassium by the kidney. Thus promotes the excretion of soduim (and water with it) and the retention of potassium w/ it.
Forms and strengths: tabs 25mg, 50mg, 100mg
Usual dosage range: initially 25 to 100mg/day for 5 days. The usualy maintainence dose is 50 and UP TO 200mg/day divided into 2 to 4 doses. THE DAILY DOSAGE SHOULD NOT EXCEED 400MG.
Possible side effects: Abnormally high blood potassium levels, abnormally low blood sodium levels, and dehydration.
Possible adverse effects: Allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, drug fever)Headache, dizziness, weakness, lethargy, confusion.
Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Serious adverse side effects: Symptomatic potassium excess: confusion, numbness and tingling in lips and extremities, fatigue, weekness, shortness of breath, slow heart rate, low blood pressure.
MASCULINE PATTERN OF HAIR GROWTH <st1:stockticker style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(250, 250, 250); "><st1:stockticker>AND</st1:stockticker></st1:stockticker> DEEPENING OF THE VOICE IN WOMEN.
Effects on sexual function: Decreased libido(close to 100%) impaired erection or impotence (30%)MALE BREAST ENLARGEMENT <st1:stockticker style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(250, 250, 250); "><st1:stockticker>AND</st1:stockticker></st1:stockticker> TENDERNESS (CLOSE TO 100% W/ HIGH DOSAGES)
Caution:
Do not take potassium supplements or increase your intake of potassium -rich foods while taking this drug.
Do not stop abrubtly unless abnormally high blood levels of potassium develop.
ORDINARY DOSES OF ASPRIN (600MG) <st1:stockticker style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(250, 250, 250); "><st1:stockticker>MAY</st1:stockticker></st1:stockticker> REVERSE THE DIURETIC EFFECT OF THIS DRUG. Observe the effect of this combination.
Avoid excess use of salt subsitutes that contain potassium, these are a potential cause of potassium excess.
Thiazide Diuretics:
Increases the elimination of salt and water in the urine, these drugs reduce fluid volume and body sodium. They also relax the walls of smaller arteries and the combined effect of these two actions (reduced blood volume in expanded space) results in lowering of the blood pressure.
Forms and dosages: (focusing on Hydrochlorothiazide ...most typical one used for contest prep).
Hydrochlorothiazide: tabs 12.5 mg, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg
Dosage Range: (for HCL) as a diuretic: 50 to 200mg/day smallest effective dose should be determined. The total daily dosage should not exceed 200mg.
Possible side effects: (natural, expected and unanvoidable drug actions)
Light-headedness on arising from sitting or lying position.
INCREASE IN BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL(affecting the control of diabeties)
Increase in blood uric acid level, (afecting the control of gout)
Decrease in blood potassium levels (causing muscle weakness and cramping)
Decreased blood magnesium, combine w/ loss of potassium may lead to increased RISK OF SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH, <st1:stockticker style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(250, 250, 250); "><st1:stockticker>ESP</st1:stockticker></st1:stockticker> IF HIGH DOSES <st1:stockticker style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(250, 250, 250); "><st1:stockticker>ARE</st1:stockticker></st1:stockticker> USED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS.
Possible adverse effects: Allergic reactions. Headache, dizziness, blurred vision. Reduced appetite, indgestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Serious adverse reactions: Hepatitis with jaundice, anaphylatic reaction. Inflamation of the pancreas (severe abdominal pain).
Bone marrow depression(fatugue, weakness, fever, sore throat, abnormal bleeding or bruising)
Effects on sexual function: decreased libido and impotantance.
Recent data suggests that high doses of HCL increases the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Effects of overdosage: Dry mouth, thirst, lethargy, weakness, muscle cramping, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness progressing to stupor or coma.
These drugs should NOT be stopped abrubtly! Discontinuation can cause serious withdrawal and serious water retention (edema).
Discontinue these drugs 5 to 7 days prior to recieving any anesthesia.
Lasix (furosemide):
Increases the elimination of salt and water through increased urine production, drug reduces fluid in the blood and body tissues.
Forms and strengths: injection 10mg/mL Tabs 20mg, 40mg, 80mg.
Usual dosage range: 20 to 80mg/<st1:time minute="54" hour="19" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(250, 250, 250); "><st1:time minute="54" hour="19">6 to 8</st1:time></st1:time> hours. SHOULD NOT EXCEED 600MG.
Possible side effects: lightheadedness on arising from sitting or lying position. Increase in blood sugar levels. Increase in blood uric acid levels, Decrease in blood potassium levels
Possible adverse effects: allergic reactions.headache, dizziness, blurred or yellow vision, ringing in ears, numbness and tingling. Reduced appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Serious adverse effects: Hepatitis w/ jaundice, anaphylatic reation.
Sexual effects: impotance (5%)
