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Diseases & Conditions

Adding a diuretic to your blood pressure drug

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People who have trouble getting to their target blood pressure may benefit from switching to or adding another drug, called a diuretic, to their medication regimen. Diuretics reduce sodium and water levels in the body; lower fluid levels mean less blood volume, which lowers blood pressure. There are three types of diuretics. Two of them may cause potassium levels to drop. A third type helps a person to retain more potassium. The most common side effect of diuretics is frequent urination, but it’s only temporary.

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