![]() “The problem with OTC meds like these is that you’re not sure exactly what they’re giving you,” she explains. Each class works on a different part of the kidney’s nephron where urine is made, says Lunenfeld. There are actually three classes of diuretics that work in different ways, says Ellen Lunenfeld, M.D., an internist with Summit Medical Group in New Jersey-thiazide, loop-acting, and potassium-sparing diuretics. That being said, when a medication is able to be sold over the counter, it can lose the oversight by the FDA (as noted earlier) and thereby, not need to follow the same regulations as prescribed medication for safety.” She adds: “Just because a medication is available over the counter does not mean that it is safe for all people to take.” What are water pills, anyway? ![]() “This is the case for diuretics and other medications, like ones for heartburn. Which left us wondering, how are water pills even allowed to be sold over the counter? According to Bakshi, oftentimes, certain once-prescribed medications can be sold over the counter once deemed safe to do so. She continues, “There is also no guarantee of the concentration of the ingredients or promise that the listed benefits of the drug are what you should achieve.” (In other words, a functioning, healthy human shouldn’t need to take water pills in the first place). In other words, “The ingredients listed on the box may not actually be what is in the pill you are taking,” says Bakshi. Unlike prescribed diuretics, over-the-counter water pills are not regulated by the FDA. Considering that water pills are often taken as a weight-loss solution, it’s important to get information from both a medical and nutritional standpoint. There’s an important differentiation when it comes to water pills: diuretics that are prescribed and diuretics that are sold over-the-counter. Side effects are still a possibility, but if taken under the care of a medical professional, these symptoms can be dealt with in a prompt and safe manner. It’s important to note, however, that when taken as prescribed, diuretics can be safe. Which is why, Bakshi says, you should really only take these types of pills while monitored by your physician. Nasty side effects include but aren’t limited to “excessive urination, dehydration, constipation, dizziness, low blood pressure, muscle cramping, and elevated heart rate,” in addition to potential interactions with other medications. When it comes to water pills, there are common side effects and then there are more serious ones, especially when they’re not being taken under the care of a doctor. Typically, water pills are taken orally once a day, and you may notice more urine passing within the first two weeks of use. This decrease in fluids running through your veins and arteries is what gives water pills their “anti-bloating” properties. When it comes to your natural fluid intake while on diuretics, it’s best to listen to the instruction of your doctor-especially if you have kidney or heart issues-as this depends on your individual calorie intake and weight.įrom a nutritional standpoint, Condell notes that diuretics are useful for a variety of medical conditions-even for treating acne-but should always be used under the care of a physician. Water pills “work by having the kidneys remove sodium from the body, and the water then follows the sodium,” says Bakshi.
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