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Diuretics - Loop Diuretics
Nutrients
Depleted by Diuretics
Loop Diuretics
Nutrients Depleted
Magnesium2
Symptoms of deficiency may develop within weeks and include anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, lethargy, and weakness. Severe deficiency may take months to appear
and is associated with muscle cramps, irritability, heart irregularities, and
mental confusion.5,7,8
Potassium3
Symptoms of deficiency include anorexia, nausea, drowsiness, fatigue, muscle
pain, and weakness (usually of the lower extremities). Severe cases may lead to
heart irregularities and respiratory difficulties.5,7
Vitamin B1
(Thiamine)1
Early signs of deficiency include fatigue, anorexia, irritability, and
difficulty concentrating. Severe deficiency causes berberi, a condition which
affects the nerves and heart and is characterized by accelerated heart rate,
difficulty breathing, water retention (particularly in legs), and muscle pain
and weakness. Extreme cases may also cause altered mental
status.5,6,7,9
Vitamin B6
(Pyridoxine)1
Symptoms of deficiency can develop in a relatively short period of time. They
include confusion, irritability, depression, inflammation of the mouth and
tongue, reddened lips, cracks at the corners of the mouth, and anemia. Over the
long term, low levels of this vitamin may lead to artherosclerosis (cholesterol
plaques) along blood vessel walls, which contributes to the development of heart
disease.5,6,9
Zinc4
Signs and symptoms of deficiency include loss of appetite, fatigue, growth
retardation, skin and nail changes, diminished libido, impotence, increased
susceptibility to infection, poor wound healing, and loss of sense of
smell.5,7,9
Editorial Note
The selected depletions information presented here identifies
some of the nutrients that may be depleted by certain medications. The signs and
symptoms associated with nutrient deficiency may also indicate conditions other
than nutrient deficiency. If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms
mentioned, it does not necessarily mean that you are nutrient deficient.
Nutrient depletion depends upon a number of factors, including your medical
history, diet, and lifestyle as well as the length of time you have been taking
the medication. Please consult your healthcare provider; he or she can best
assess and address your individual healthcare needs, and determine if you are at
risk for nutrient depletions from these medications as well as others not listed
here. References
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1. | Seligmann, H. et al. Thiamine deficiency in patients with congestive
heart failure receiving long-term furosemide therapy: a pilot study Am J.
Med. 91(2):151-155, 1991. |
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2. | Roe, D.A. Diet and Drug Interactions. New York, Van Nostrand
Reinhold, p. 150, 1989. |
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3. | Healy, JJ. et al. Body composition changes in hypertensive subjects on
long term oral diuretic therapy. Br. Med. JH. 1:716,
1970. |
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4. | Webster, PO. Zinc during diuretic treatment. Lancet 1:578,
1975. |
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5. | Fauci, A. ed. et. al. Harrison's Principles of Internal
Medicine. Fourteenth Edition. New York, Mc-Graw-Hill Companies Health
Professional Division, 1998. |
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6. | International Life Sciences Institute, Present Knowledge in
Nutrition. Seventh Edition. Washington, DC, ILSI Press,
1996. |
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7. | National Research Council, Recommended Dietary Allowances. Tenth
Edition. Washington, DC, National Academy Press, 1989. |
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8. | Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes. Washington,
DC, National Academy Press, 1997. |
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9. | Kirschmann, G. and Kirschmann, J. Nutrition Almanac. Fourth
Edition. McGraw-Hill, 1996.
Copyright © 2000 Integrative Medicine
Communications
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the
accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application,
use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury
and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability,
negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard
to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any
drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is
not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the
information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized
healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package
inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and
contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed
herein.
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