Diuretics for PBC

Overview
A primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) complication called portal hypertension can cause fluid to build up in your body. You may develop swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet (edema) and abdominal bloating (ascites). Diuretics, also known as water pills, are sometimes prescribed to treat this common side effect.

Diuretics are a class of medications that help your body get rid of extra water and fluid through urination. Most diuretics affect how the kidneys eliminate excess salts called electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride, and potassium, which also causes extra fluid to be excreted (eliminated).

Different types of diuretics reduce swelling in a variety of ways. For fluid buildup from PBC, doctors often prescribe spironolactone (Alactadone) and furosemide (Lasix). Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that helps your body retain potassium. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that keeps salt in urine from being reabsorbed into your blood.

How do I take it?
Diuretics are generally taken orally as tablets once or twice a day, but some may be given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for the diuretic you are prescribed.

Side effects
Diuretics are usually safe, but they can cause dehydration if you lose too much water. Depending on the type of diuretic, you may experience side effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, cramping, rash, and frequent urination.

Rarely, diuretics may cause severe electrolyte imbalance.

For more information, visit:

Diuretics — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

Therapeutic Uses of Diuretic Agents — StatPearls
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557838/