Treatment Options- Diuretics© Freedom Smith
May 7, 1999
This article is one in a series discussing the different treatment options for people suffering from PTC.
Diuretics are often prescribed to relieve the fluid pressure in PTC. A common one is Diamox.
Diamox is a carbonic anhydrase. It is also known as Acetazolamide. In PTC, Diamox is used to reduce the amount of fluid in the eye's anterior chamber. Diamox has a lot of side effects. Nausea is one. Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, tingling in the hands, feet and face, and confusion may also occur.
These side effects should be discussed with your physician. He may also want to monitor you potassium levels while you are on this drug. That is done by a simple blood test.
You should not consume alchohol while taking a diuretic. Dehydration that occurs after drinking could cause kidney problems.
If you are taking Lithium, be sure to inform you Doctor. Diamox can reduce the effects of Lithium.
Also, you should not take Diamox if you are pregnant or nursing. It can cause abnormalities, and can be passed through breast milk. If you become pregnant or are nursing, consult your physician immediatly.
You will experience more frequent urination while taking a diuretic. The drug is flushing fluids from your body. That is why you and your Doctor should keep an eye on your potassium levels, because it is flushed out along with the fluids. Bannana's are a good source of potassium, it may be helpful to eat one when you take your diuretic.
Lasix, or Furosemide, is another diuretic. It is a loop diuretic that inhibits reabsorption of chloride and sodium at the ascending loop of Henle in the kidneys, boosting fluid excretion.
Lasix has some of the same side effects as Diamox. Because of the increased fluid loss, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance may occur. Signs of an electrolyte imbalance are thirst, lethargy, drowsiness, restlessness, and fatigue. If you experience these symptoms, contact your physician. And again, potassium levels may decrease. Your Doctor may want to monitor those levels if you are on Lasix as well. Note: The article is for informational purposes only.
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The copyright of the article Treatment Options- Diuretics in Intercranial Hypertension is owned by Freedom Smith. Permission to republish Treatment Options- Diuretics in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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