Skip to content
Chronic Care High Blood Pressure Diuretics
Chronic Care High Blood Pressure Diuretics

Diuretics prescriptions available online

Diuretics can help lower your blood pressure, reduce leg swelling, and may be available with a consultation from one of our board-certified primary care doctors online. Get a new prescription for diuretics or refill an existing prescription today.*

Treat high blood pressure effectively Reduce edema and swelling in legs Manage congestive heart failure symptoms
Book an appointment
Top Online Doctors | Step 2

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. Not all diuretic management can be performed by telehealth physicians. Underlying conditions such as congestive heart failure require in-person treatment and specialist care from a cardiologist to be managed safely and effectively. If our doctors cannot prescribe medication directly, they will guide you with referrals and resources for in-person providers. 

circles-dark.18c7e306

About diuretics

Diuretics are a class of drugs that consist of medications that function by helping the kidneys remove more salt & water from the blood stream. This lowers the amount of fluid and pressure in your body. Diuretics are typically prescribed to treat edema (swelling caused by more fluids retained by the body) and hypertension (high blood pressure). Still, they can be prescribed for other health problems as well. They are typically in tablet form. There are three types of prescription diuretics: thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing diuretics. Diuretic pills are also called water pills.


What diuretics treat

A few common conditions treated by prescription diuretics are:

  • High blood pressure - as a blood pressure medication, diuretic pills reduce the fluid in your blood vessels, which helps lower your blood pressure.

  • Congestive heart failure - keeps your heart from pumping blood effectively throughout your body. This leads to a buildup of excess water in your body, which is called edema.

  • Swelling of the feet, ankles, lower legs, and abdomen - also known as edema- is caused by water retention in the body. Edema occurs from several types of chronic conditions. A doctor can prescribe a diuretic to help reduce this fluid buildup.

Types of diuretics

The three diuretic medications are thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing diuretics. While each diuretic affects different parts of the kidneys, all three types make your body excrete extra fluid as urine.

Thiazide diuretics

Thiazides are the most commonly prescribed diuretics to treat high blood pressure. Thiazide diuretics work by acting directly on the kidneys to promote urine flow. In addition, they cause the blood vessels to relax, reducing blood pressure. Thiazide diuretics may cause the body to lose too much potassium, and patients may require potassium supplements.

Examples of oral thiazide diuretics include:

Chlorothiazide (Diuril) Hydrodiuril (Hydrochlorothiazide) Hygroton (chlorthalidone) Lozol Microzide (Hydrochlorothiazide) Zaroxolyn (Metolazone)

Loop diuretics

Loop diuretics are often prescribed to treat congestive heart failure. They work by inhibiting sodium reabsorption. Examples of loop diuretics include:
Furosemide (Lasix) Torsemide (Demadex)

Potassium-sparing diuretics

Potassium-sparing diuretics make the kidneys excrete extra fluid as urine without interfering with the sodium-potassium exchange in the kidney cells. As a result, they do not tend to reduce the potassium level in the body like the other diuretics.

A potassium-sparing diuretic may be prescribed for people with low potassium levels, possibly due to other medications that deplete potassium. However, they do not reduce blood pressure as well as the different types of diuretics and are often prescribed together with another medicine that also lowers blood pressure.

Examples include:
Amiloride
Eplerenone (Inspra)
Spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir)
Triamterene (Dyrenium)

How diuretics work

Prescription diuretics act on different parts of your kidneys to excrete sodium and water, resulting in more urine flow. As more salt and water are discharged from the body, water is removed from the blood, reducing fluid pressure through your veins, arteries, and therefore lowering your blood pressure.

Side effects of diuretics

When taken as prescribed, diuretics are generally safe. However, they can still cause some adverse reactions and do need monitoring including labs more regularly than other blood pressure medications

Some side effects of taking diuretics include:
Increased urination (expected)
Dizziness
Headaches
Dehydration
Muscle cramps
Joint disorders (gout)
Impotence

Loop and thiazide diuretics can lower potassium levels in the blood and cause the body to lose potassium. This can cause a condition known as hypokalemia (low potassium), which can cause heart arrhythmias and even cardiac arrest. Potassium pills are often prescribed with loop diuretic therapy to keep potassium levels safe.

Note that these serious side effects are rare. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Some severe side effects include:

allergic reaction to the diuretics
irregular heartbeat

Diuretics risks

As diuretics can affect potassium levels, doctors should not prescribe diuretics to people with severe kidney problems or Addison's disease.

 

Potassium and sodium levels need to be monitored regularly when taking diuretics, and whenever there is a dosage change.


In addition, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before starting diuretic treatment:

drug hypersensitivity
diabetes
electrolyte imbalances
gout lupus
menstrual problems
pancreatitis

Diuretics drug interactions

Some interactions to know about are:
Antidepressants
Cyclosporine (Restasis)
Lithium
Other diuretics (e.g. Esidrix)
Other blood pressure medications
Steroids
Warfarin

Diuretics FAQs

How should I take diuretics?

Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to take your diuretics prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.

Prescription diuretics can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed once or twice daily. Try to adhere to a schedule. For example, for once-daily doses, you can take it first thing in the morning before or after a meal. Try to take the last one before dinner or a few hours before bedtime for twice-daily doses.

Loop and thiazide diuretics can lower potassium levels in the blood and cause the body to lose potassium. This can cause a condition known as hypokalemia (low potassium), which can cause heart arrhythmias and even cardiac arrest. Often, potassium pills are prescribed together with loop diuretic therapy to keep potassium levels safe.

If potassium pills are not prescribed, doctors may suggest you consume foods that come naturally with high levels of potassium, such as:

  • Bananas

  • Oranges

  • Cooked spinach

Who shouldn’t take diuretics?

As diuretics can affect potassium levels, doctors should not prescribe diuretics to people with severe kidney problems or Addison's disease.

In addition, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before starting diuretic treatment:

  • drug hypersensitivity

  • diabetes

  • electrolyte imbalances

  • gout

  • lupus

  • menstrual problems

  • pancreatitis

How long does it take for diuretics to work?

It usually takes about one to two hours for diuretics to start to work

What are natural diuretics?

Natural diuretics refer to herbs and dietary supplements that contains properties similar to prescription diuretics: help your body get rid of excess salt and water. Some known examples include dandelion, ginger, juniper, hawthorn, and parsley.

However check to make you are not allergic to any of them. In addition, always check with your healthcare provider before taking a supplement to make sure it's safe for you.

What foods should I avoid with diuretics?

If you are prescribed a diuretic (water pills), your doctor will recommend that you go on a low salt diet. Salt will increase fluid retention in your body. As more fluid accumulate, this can lead to swelling, most commonly seen in the feet, ankles, and legs.

Food items high in salt that should be avoided include:

  • Canned beans with salt

  • Chips

  • Fast food 

  • Pasta sauce

  • Processed foods

  • Salted nuts

  • Smoked, cured, salted, or canned meat (ex: bacon, cold cuts)

  • Soy sauce and Asian stir fry sauces

  • Vegetable or meat stocks

Can I get diuretic pills over the counter?

There are some over the counter diuretic pills available at the local pharmacy that can help relieve symptoms of edema. Over-the-counter diuretics might offer temporary relief, but they can be risky if not used properly, leading to electrolyte imbalances. A doctor can assess if they're right for you and recommend the best treatment plan.

Our board-certified physicians are available 24/7 for convenient online consultations. In less than an hour, you can have a diagnosis, treatment options (including prescription diuretics if necessary), and have a prescription sent directly to your pharmacy. You can see a doctor online available with or without insurance, and we accept most major plans.

During your telemedicine appointment, your doctor can identify underlying causes that might require a different approach, like managing high blood pressure or kidney issues. Your doctor will also consider potential side effects of diuretics specific to you and ensure they don't interact with any other medications or supplements. With a complete picture of your health history, your octor can create the safest and most effective treatment plan for you.

3 simple steps to getting diuretics online

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book an appointment to discuss diuretics.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your doctor online.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up your diuretics prescription from your online doctor.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Diuretics pricing details

To get diuretics online, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team
  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

We accept these insurance plans and many more:


humanaaetnacigna logo background

 

Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.
Book an appointment
*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.



PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.