Drugs For Edema

According to American Family Physician, edema is the result of an imbalance in the filtration system between the capillary and interstitial spaces. You must follow a systematic approach to determine the exact cause of edema.

Treatment options include sodium restriction, diuretic use, and appropriate management of the underlying disorder. Though there are several drugs available for edema, you must first consult a doctor before taking edema medications. 

Your health care provider will be able to identify the actual cause of the disease and prescribe drugs based on the severity of the condition. 

When Should You Take Drugs For Edema: 

Mild edema usually goes away on its own, by a few home remedies such as keeping legs elevated while relaxing or sleeping, wearing compression stockings, and and monitoring your salt intake to reduce edema. 

Severe cases of edema may be treated with drugs that help your body expel excessive fluid in the form of urine. Long-term management of the condition typically focuses on treating the underlying cause of edema. 

Drugs For Edema: 

There are basically three classes of diuretics for edema, namely potassium-sparing diuretics, loop diuretics, and thiazide diuretics. Here are some popular drugs for edema. 

Lasix (Furosemide): Furosemide is a loop diuretic that prevents your body from absorbing excess salt. It also treats fluid retention (edema) in people with liver disease, congestive heart failure, or a kidney disorder. 

Before using this medication, you must tell your doctor if you have gout, lupus, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs. 

Aldactone (Spironolactone): Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that keeps your body from absorbing excess sodium and prevents your potassium levels from getting too low. 

It treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or a kidney disorder. Before taking this medication, you must tell your doctor if you use a steroid or another diuretic. 

Chlorothiazide: Chlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much sodium. It treats fluid retention in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or kidney disorders. 

Thalitone (Chlorthalidone): Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic that treats edema and prevents fluid retention. It can reduce edema in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or kidney disorders. 

Some of the effective prescription drugs for edema are Triamterene, Spironolactone, Osmitrol, Midamor, Metolazone, Methyclothiazide, Indapamide, Hydrochlorothiazide Triamterene, and Zaroxolyn. 

Are Edema Drugs Safe For Me: 

The drugs for edema may not be suitable for all individuals. You must consult with your health care practitioner before taking diuretics to treat edema. You must also talk to your doctor before changing the dose or stopping any medication. 

Patients may experience varying side effects such as numbness or tingly feeling, fast or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, muscle pain or weakness, frequent urination, chest pain, mild skin rash, nausea or vomiting. 

If the above mentioned side effects persist or worsen, stop the medication and call your doctor immediately. 

The drugs may also interact with other medications such as blood pressure medications, lithium, steroids, insulin or diabetes medications, etc. 

You must talk to your doctor clearly and inform him/ her about any medications you have been taking before using drugs for edema.