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- Written By: S.E. Smith
- Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
- Last Modified Date: 05 January 2012
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2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
Water pills are pills which tell the kidneys to express sodium from the body, causing an excretion of excess water as well. They are more properly known as diuretics, and they are used to treat a wide variety of health conditions. Some people also take water pills for weight loss; this use is not advised, and it can actually be very dangerous. In addition to being potentially harmful when abused, water pills do not actively contribute to weight loss; they simply remove excess fluid from the body.
There are three main types of water pills. Loop diuretics interfere with the body's ability to absorb sodium, meaning that more water appears in the patient's urine, because water is normally pulled along with sodium. Thiazides work in a similar way, while potassium-sparing water pills are designed to help the body retain potassium while excreting sodium. Many water pills blend several several types; potassium-sparing diuretics are a common inclusions in a water pill since they ensure that the body's potassium levels remain healthy.
One common use of diuretics is as a blood pressure treatment. By triggering the kidneys to express extra water, the water pills lower overall blood volume, which can reduce blood pressure. Water pills are also used to treat people with conditions like edema, in which water is retained because the circulation of the lymphatic system is blocked. Diuretics are also sometimes used to help the body express toxins; the effectiveness varies, depending on the toxin.
Most prescription diuretics are formulated drugs, but some natural substances have diuretic properties as well. Coffee, for example, is a well known diuretic, and some water pills are actually derived from coffee. Parsley, juniper, goldenrod, and bearberry are all natural diuretics, and some of these substances are used in alternative health treatments. Such drugs should be used with care, as their dosages can be unpredictable since plants have varying amounts of chemical compounds depending on circumstances like their growing environment, available nutrients, and when they are harvested.
As anyone who has taken water pills for a medical condition knows, the pills can cause a small weight loss, because water is a heavy substance. However, this weight loss is not permanent, and it cannot be sustained. Unfortunately, some people take diuretics for the purpose of weight loss; this can cause low blood pressure, an imbalance of electrolytes, and other serious problems. Long term use of water pills is not generally recommended, and it is especially dangerous when undertaken without the supervision of a doctor. There are plenty of healthy ways to lose weight which will not put your body in danger and you can discuss these with a doctor or personal trainer.
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Discuss this Article
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anon238922
Post 50 |
My mom is diabetic and has a high BP number. The docs prescribed a water pill and I am worried if she will lose sodium and potassium more than she is supposed to. She also takes insulin and other medication related to her problem. Do you think this is going to work for her. |
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anon215132
Post 49 |
I have been on water pills (HCTZ) for five years and am petite, a long distance runner, eat no red meat, eat lots of good food and couldn't figure out why I was in the 150/80 BP range. Water pills lowered me to the 130's but I hate to get up at night to pee so have kept a thorough diary for three months on eating less salt and adding potassium and magnesium. It was the magnesium that really did the trick. Now I have added three magnesium pills a day (400mg each) and I cut my hctz in half and blood pressure is 110/66. I take Magnesium glycimate and it's one of the better ones. I am now going to cut back to one half of an hctz pill every other day and ween myself of these pills. If the BP goes up (I don't think it will) I will just use 1/2 pill daily (12.5 mg)I really wish doctors would suggest trying the potassium and magnesium first. |
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anon200559
Post 48 |
I have been taking water pills for almost six years and I just recently got off of them and now I am gaining weight. They say it is bad for your kidneys to be on them so long. Are they really harmful for you if you are actually on a small dose? |
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anon185938
Post 47 |
I just started taking water pills, two different ones. I have had severe legs cramps twice. could this be because of water pills. |
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anon180769
Post 46 |
My HCTZ has unfortunately given me a potassium deficiency. I have to take potassium power once a day along with my heart pills for the rest of my life. Bummer. |
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anon179674
Post 45 |
I've been on 12 and a half mill of hydroclorazide one time a day. I have dizzy spells and at times double vision. I've told my doctor he doesn't seem concerned. He has never checked my electrolytes so now i take a multi vitamin every day and will see if it helps.
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anon171098
Post 44 |
Is it safe to take a diuretic while passing a kidney stone?
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anon169646
Post 43 |
At least 98 percent of the questions post on this site should be discussed with your physician. Please don't turn to anonymous people to ask important health questions. To the remaining 2 percent of the people: water pills are just that. They make you pee out the excess water, and they will make you thirsty, so you drink even more water. Sodium and potassium are vital in maintaining a healthy, functioning body. Too much, or too little of either can cause perm. damage, that's why the Doctor orders your lab work. Stay on top of your health. |
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anon166731
Post 42 |
A nurse practitioner put me on a diuretic after a few high BP readings (155/100 range). I hate it. I am urinating all the time and she makes me come in every other week for BP/weight checks and bloodwork. It is horrendous and expensive. |
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anon156649
Post 41 |
to the THC post: THC does not store in your fat. THC is out of your system within days. Our bodies create a metabolite to counter THC and that metabolite is stored in your fat cells. A THC drug test does not test for THC, it tests for the metabolite. The only way to pass a drug test is by drinking enough water that you are urinating water. Vitamin B2 will turn your urine yellow so the tester doesn't see clear pee and send it to a lab. I have passed several drug tests this way. It is the only way to do it. |
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anon145265
Post 40 |
I just had a kidney stone removed and have to drink 2 1/2 liters of water a day. However I'm putting on weight now. About 10 pounds. My gut is bloated. Is this water retention and is this temporary? |
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anon138535
Post 39 |
would varicose veins have anything to do with feet and legs swelling? |
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anon138524
Post 38 |
My mother had her femur repaired from a fall and she is 94, since she came home from the hospital her feet and legs swell right up to the knee. The doctors keep giving her a fluid pill and she has been taking these for about four months. I would like another opinion this. I don't think fluid pills are the answer. please comment |
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anon126683
Post 37 |
My mam has been on water pills for years due to swollen ankles and legs. now she is really confused and exhausted due to the low sodium and potassium level in her blood, so the tablets have been taken off her for a couple of days in order to raise the sodium in her body again. I was wondering what the best water tablet is for her to take, that does not lower the sodium level so much. |
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anon112333
Post 36 |
Be very careful with water pills. whether they are over the counter or a prescription. Not only do you lose excess water, but you also lose potassium, magnesium (which helps your body to absorb vitamins and minerals) and B vitamins to name a few. This would lead to low levels and certainly cause you to feel tired and drained. I am on a prescription water pill but also take supplemental vitamins to help replace some of what I am losing with each pill and get B-12 shots monthly, I also have monthly blood work done to monitor those levels. Importantly, watch your salt intake, even though it helps remove some excess sodium, too much salt and the pill can't work effectively and you'll only retain even more water, so read labels and try using onion or garlic powder, even Mrs Dash to season your food. I love it on my vegetables. If the pill is affecting your sleep with getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, you should try taking the pill before 3-4 p.m. Later you take it and if you eat later that evening, the pill will kick in and keep you running back and forth all night long when you would rather be sleeping. Ibuprofen, such as Motrin or Advil, also decrease the effectiveness of a water pill. Since they can cause headaches (brain is mostly water), it is safe to take acetaminophen, such a Tylenol. For those suffering from severe feet and ankle swelling, yes you should elevate your feet but never above heart level, and you should see a doctor since there is more than likely a chance you are suffering from an underlying condition that requires more than just a water pill. I hope this information has helped some of you with your questions. |
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anon108668
Post 34 |
I started to experience swelling around my feet and ankles my tummy is bloated big time someone asked if I was pregnant. How embarrassing was that. Today I looked at my feet and they looked like two hams. I'm like what? I called mom and my sister and they both told me that it I was retaining salt and water. I went to the pharmacy and bought over the counter meds, diurex water pills. I've felt exhausted for the past week. I took two pills and every four to six hours take another dose. Should I be seeing my doctor or have any concerns with the meds and how I feel. should I have my feet elevated? It's been very hard putting my clothes like jeans on because of the bloating. Will this medication help me. Please help me out and give me some advice. Thanks, now I have to go pee pee. ) |
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anon93914
Post 33 |
My blood pressure is I guess pretty normal 96/64. I don't have any real health problems. I just purchased natural water pills to relieve a bloated feeling. it recommended not to take more then five days. can problems occur in this short amount of time. |
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anon93206
Post 32 |
Well i am a 17 year old female and i have a PCOS. It's a condition that a lot of women get and it comes with a lot of problems. One of my problems are that my body contains a lot of water and it makes it very hard for me to lose weight. I haven't talked to my doctor yet about taking water pills. But in general, would it be a good idea because of my condition? |
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anon80678
Post 31 |
i have been on thiazide for three weeks for high blood pressure, and i get up at least three times in the night for a pee. I take the pill around 6 p.m., my BP is now down 30 pts to 115/75 which is perfect. |
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anon75099
Post 29 |
I'm trying to lose at least 35 pounds and I've been working out about two times a week, also eating healthy, and for some reason, I can't seem to lose a pound. Do you think if I start water pills it will be ok?
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anon73358
Post 28 |
I'm tyring to lose at least 35 pounds and I've been at the gym five times a week, also eating healthy, and for some reason, I can't seem to lose a pound. It's driving me nuts. Do you think if I start water pills and continue the diet, etc., I'll lose a few pounds? And after reading so much about water pills and peeing I have to pee now. |
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anon72612
Post 27 |
is it safe to take water pills with one kidney? |
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anon67516
Post 26 |
I take prednisone (steroids) for a condition i have. would it be bad to take water pills also? |
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trela
Post 25 |
Ive been on 2 water pills for about 3 months now they have helped alot with the edema but I feel drained and worn out more as if the water pills are taking my natural energy from me, also Im 40 years old (if that makes a difference?) |
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anon66918
Post 24 |
My dad is 50years old and overweight and his body is swelling. He has alot of water in his body. What's the best medication he can use? |
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anon62668
Post 23 |
Was not told that it contained sulfur. Am deathly allergic to anything containing sulfur. Almost died as a kid from a severe reaction and spent six months in intensive care. Docs dismissed my recent complaints about HCTZ (put on 10 meds to combat side effects - tossed all when I realized allergic reaction/extreme side effects - and blood pressure is now normal - one year after stopping diet coke addiction). |
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anon62524
Post 22 |
My mother had a stroke because she was on a water pill. In the emergency room, they were pouring potassium into her. Her doctor did not insist that she take a blood test to watch her potassium level. Water pills without lots of potassium and drinking water, can cause strokes. Look it up. |
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anon61504
Post 21 |
On a serious note, I am a 40 year old woman who was diagnosed with Stills Disease two years ago. My BP was a little high and many counts were off. Docs put me on water pill and the bloating in my face/neck etc seemed to leave within 24 hours! Problem was, I lost 35 pounds in one week and had to go off of it! Too much, too fast! |
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anon60270
Post 20 |
water pills' worst side effect is impotence - loss of libido. no thanks. |
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anon48547
Post 18 |
As a 39 year old male who was diagnosed with mysterious massively high blood pressure, I was prescribed water pills along with two other treatments. I have since quit the water pills and have seen a dramatic improvement in quality of life. Thank you, but I will gladly shave five years off my life in exchange for not crapping my pants on a regular basis. Water pills = good times. I was even on the most gentle variety available. Certainly, you should consult your doctor first if you care about your health. I value quality of life over quantity. |
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anon48378
Post 17 |
Take it from someone who takes fluid pills for health reasons. It's not all that it's cracked up to be. I at first loved the fact that I lost weight especially right after having a baby but the weight kept dropping. Oh-- and don't talk about all the almost missed bathroom times. Just be very careful with these because they have very serious side effects. |
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anon44796
Post 16 |
It made me poop purple and my pee was green. Did that happen to anyone else? |
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bumbleb
Post 15 |
Please Help! My weight has always been 110 lbs. In the last 4 months I gained 15 lbs and feeling bloated all the time. My doctor said I'm in the pre-menopause stage. what is the best water pill on the market to help me? I don't like being fat. Thank you. |
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anon40861
Post 14 |
i take water pills for bloating also and my urine is greenish. is that normal? |
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anon40180
Post 13 |
Um, as for the guy who posted about the THC... THC is stored in the fat, not in the urine, my friend. Taking water pills and drinking large quantities of water does *not* flush THC or any other recreational drug out completely. Basically what is happening is all that water that is coming out in the sample cup is the massive amount of water you drank. It's highly diluted making the test come out negative. Do not trust in the method any more than the method of drinking a cap full of bleach. It takes 30 days for THC to rid your system thanks to the fact that it is stored in fatty tissues. |
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anon31010
Post 12 |
Is it ok to take a water pill and viagara simultaneously? |
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elrababy
Post 11 |
What is the firm that produced it?
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anon28683
Post 10 |
i was wondering, i already have low blood pressure so is it safe for me to take the water pills? i am retaining some fluid in my body. please let me know. what are other side effects? i'm not too good with side effects. |
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anon24358
Post 9 |
My Blood Pressure was so bad, that I was about to have a Stroke, or Heart Attack, then I found a new Doctor, and he put me on a water pill, which worked immediately. But I also take two others,please don't ask me to remember the names of Medication.One is small white one, and second one is two-toned blue capual--and I wondered if I could get along with just the Water Pills? I may try ,and get back to you |
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anon24195
Post 8 |
Hi I am pretty thin and petite, but I seems to retain some water, like my cheeks are a little bloated. Would water pills help this? If so, which would be best? (I have blood pressure that is in the low, but still normal range) Thank you! |
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anon23894
Post 7 |
My wife has been taking water pills to help with the bloating. For some reason here urine has turned greenish. Should we be worried? |
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Linz0702
Post 6 |
I have several male friends who have said that they take about 4 water pills throughout a 24 hour period and drink about 3 water bottles before a drug test. They said that this tactic they have been using works very well and they always pass the drug test. Please tell me a little more about this tactic they are using..does it really eliminate all of the THC (abd other drug chemicals) out of your body? what are the health risks involved? |
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anon19220
Post 5 |
"Loop diuretics interfere with the body's ability to absorb sodium, meaning that more water appears in the patient's urine, because water is normally pulled along with sodium." Seems a little more dangerous than they stressed. especially when it is used regularly |
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climbnvolley
Post 4 |
does anyone else have to pee after reading about water pills? |
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anon17013
Post 2 |
so a water pill and aphetermine are not suggested ...of course what are the dangers...when one pill elevates and the water pill decreases....wouldn't it balance each other out and how long before kidney damage is two months tooo long? |
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anon6977
Post 1 |
what are the banes of the common diuretic pills? |
