Module 3 Pull Down Navigation - Select a Page to View ------------------- Introduction General Information About Taking Heart Failure Medicines Heart Failure Medicines ACE Inhibitor Pills ACE Inhibitors: Management Tips and Commons Side Effects ACE Inhibitors: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Nurse Beta-Blocker Pills Beta-Blocker: Management Tips and Common Side Effects Beta-Blocker: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Nurse Digoxin Pills Digoxin: Management Tips and Common Side Effects Diuretics Diuretics: Management Tips and Common Side Effects Questions and Answers About Diuretics Aldosterone Antagonist Pills Aldosterone Antagonist: Management Tips and Common Side Effects ARB (Angiotensin Receptor Blockade) Pills Combination Isosorbide Dinitrate and Hydralazine Pills Questions & Answers on Isosorbide Dinitrate and Hydralazine Anticoagulant Medicines Potassium Pills Medicines to Avoid Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines Calcium Channel Blockers Antiarrhythmic Medicines Alternative Therapy Interactions General Questions and Answers About Heart Failure Medicines Keeping Track of Your Medicines Learn More About Heart Failure

Diuretics: Questions and Answers

Question: Taking a diuretic can make it hard to leave home. How can I go out and still take my diuretic?

Answer: For several days pay attention to when you urinate the most after taking your diuretic. The diuretic will work in a similar way each time you take it. Plan your trip away from home at a time when your diuretic is not as active. When you go to a new place, find out where the bathroom is when you first get there.

Another option is to take your diuretic at a different time of day. For example, you could take it several hours before you plan to go out or wait until after you return from your outing to take it.

Do not skip your diuretic when you are away from home.

Question: My diuretic causes trouble with my sleep, because I have to get up at night to urinate. Is there anything I can do about that?

Answer: Most diuretics are short-acting. That means you will have to go to the bathroom more frequently during the first two to three hours after taking your diuretic. So, take your diuretic in the morning. If you take a diuretic two times a day, take the second dose around 4:00 P.M. That way you will be less likely to have to get up at night.

Question: I have leg cramps with my diuretic. What should I do?

Answer: This may mean that you are losing potassium with your diuretic. Ask your doctor or nurse if you need a check of your blood potassium level. You may need a potassium supplement.

Do not take a potassium supplement on your own without talking to your doctor or nurse.

Question: What if I take my diuretic as directed, but my breathing gets worse, and I have more swelling?

Answer: If you notice that you are breathing harder or that you have more swelling in your feet, legs, or hands, call your doctor or nurse right away to let them know. They can decide if your medicine is working or if you need a different amount or kind of medicine.

Weighing yourself everyday can help you know if your diuretic is working. If you gain weight over a few days or week, you may be retaining fluid. You should call your doctor or nurse and let them know. They can determine whether you need a higher dose of your diuretic.

See Module 4: Self-Care: Following Your Treatment Plan and Dealing with Your Symptoms for more information on monitoring and managing weight gain.

Question: If I am short of breath only some of the time, should I take an extra diuretic?

Answer: Your doctor or nurse may decide it is the right thing for you to do. They will explain exactly when you should take the extra dose and any other treatments you may need. (You may also need an extra dose of potassium.)

Do not take an extra dose of your diuretic without consulting your doctor or nurse first. Removing too much fluid and sodium from your body can make you dehydrated.