Diuretics (Water Pills) and Potassium Instructions
Your doctor has prescribed this medication to help make it easier for your heart to pump by removing extra fluid and sodium (salt) from your body.

Thiazide diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene (Maxzide)
Loop diuretics: bumetanide (Bumex), furosemide (Lasix), torsemide (Demadex)
Potassium sparing diuretics: spironolactone (Aldactone)

How should I take this medication?

1. Take this medication as ordered by your doctor.
2. If you take two diuretics please obtain instructions from your doctor as to when to take them.
3. Have routine laboratory blood tests as instructed by your doctor.
4. Weigh yourself as soon as you wake up in the morning each day.
5. If your weight is up 3 or more pounds for 2 days in a row, call the office as ask to speak with a nurse.
6. Observe your urine output. Call your doctor if the color changes (darker) or the amount seems to decrease.
7. Rise slowly from lying or sitting to decrease the chance of having low blood pressure and to prevent dizziness and possibly falling.

Possible side effects of diuretics:

1. You could lose too much sodium or potassium. Call your doctor if you have increased thirst, heart palpitations, or if you feel confused or irritable.
2. Notify your doctor if you experience any rash, loss of appetite, or diarrhea.

Most diuretics lower your potassium level. If you are started on spironolactone (Aldactone), please inform you doctor if you are on a potassium supplement, as the potassium dose may be reduced or stopped. Potassium supplements are: K-Dur, K-Lyte, K-Lor, Klor-Con, or Slow-K. Take potassium supplements with food as it may cause an upset stomach.