Side effects and cautions

Diuretics are generally safe, but they do have some side effects, such as increased urination and mineral loss.

Diuretics can also affect blood potassium levels. You can develop too much potassium (hyperkalemia) if you take a potassium-sparing diuretic or too little potassium (hypokalemia) if you take a thiazide diuretic.

Other possible side effects of diuretics include:

• Low sodium in your blood (hyponatremia)
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Dehydration
• Muscle cramps
• Joint disorders (gout)
• Impotence