Benefits of low vs high dosages of diuretics.
The mechanism of antihypertensive action of diuretics is outlined, side effects of diuretic therapy are described briefly, and the advantages of lower dosages of diuretics (usually given concomitantly with a beta-blocker or a centrally acting alpha-agonist) are reviewed. Clinical guidelines include a recommendation that serum potassium levels be carefully monitored.
D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004232:Diuretics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D012306:Risk; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000187:drug effects
D004232:Diuretics; D011188:Potassium