Diuretics are medications which allow your kidneys to release water and various salts, particularly potassium, to aid in the control of high blood pressure and possibly congestive heart failure. The most common clinical side effect of diuretic use is loss of potassium through the kidneys. Blood work is required to assess your potassium and your kidneys. Frequently, potassium supplements are given along with diuretics. At other times, a combination of diuretics may be used, one part losing potassium and another part conserving potassium.
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