​​Diuretics, also called water pills, are medicines that help your body get rid of fluid buildup.

This video is about diuretics and how they work for people with cirrhosis, or scarring in the liver.

Cirrhosis can cause your body to hold water and salt, and that fluid can build up.

When fluid gathers in your legs, it's called peripheral edema.

When it gathers in your belly, it's called ascites, and around your lungs, it's called pleural effusion.

If you have fluid buildup, it's important to eat less salt.

This helps your body get rid of extra fluid. Diuretic medicines can also help.

They cause your body to let go of extra salt and water and make you pee more.

Most people take their diuretic medicine in the morning.

If you take it too late in the day, you'll have to get up in the night to pee.

One of the most common diuretics prescribed for people with cirrhosis is furosemide, also called Lasix.

Another is spironolactone, also called Aldactone.

You might be prescribed one or both of these medicines.

It's important to notice how you feel and know about side effects when you take diuretics.

They can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, which can lead to fainting and falls.

If you feel dizzy, get up slowly from your bed or chair and take a pause before you stand up or begin walking.

Some people taking diuretics can get muscle cramps or weakness.

You may also have painful breasts. 

Check your weight each day when you're on diuretics.

Weigh yourself in the morning after you've peed, and before you eat or drink anything.

One litre of fluid weighs about 1 kilogram, or 2.2 pounds.

So keeping track of your weight can help you and your healthcare team decide how well your diuretics are working.

If you're losing weight too quickly, it can be dangerous.

Tell your healthcare team if you lose more than 2 pounds a day for 2 days in a row, or more than 7 pounds in a week.

Your healthcare team will ask you to have blood tests to check your kidneys and your sodium and potassium levels.

It's important to drink enough fluids to keep hydrated.

If you don't drink enough to make your urine pale yellow colour, your kidneys will have to work harder and you may have more muscle cramps.

Drink plenty of fluids, unless your healthcare tells you not to.

No matter how long you've been on diuretics, tell your healthcare team if you're feeling dizzy, or if you faint, feel weak, or get muscle cramps. 

You should also tell them if you gain weight, or if your fluid build-up isn't getting better or is getting worse.

Remember, your healthcare team is here to support you.

Reach out to them if you have questions about your medicines.

To learn more, visit cirrhosiscare.ca or MyHealth.Alberta.ca.