Suggest Treatment To Reduce Fluid Build-up Due To Chronic Heart Failure

Posted on Mon, 20 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 Answered on

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been on two aggressive drugs to reduce fluid buildup due to chf. I'm concerned, I don't understand what they are or how they can be can be dangerous. How do you replace them and what the symptoms are.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Diuretics in CHF

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
The common drug combination to reduce fluid build up in CHF are Furosemide(20 mg) and spironolactone (50 mg).
Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic (water pill) that is used to eliminate water and salt from the body.
While loop diuretics remain first-line for most patients with heart failure, spironolactone (a potassium retaining diuretic) remains an important agent for treating fluid retention, edema, and symptoms of heart failure and often given in combination with Furosemide, to enhance the elimination of fluid from the body (diuresis) and also to counteract loss of potassium caused by Furosemide.
As the fluid-build up eases with diuresis ,alternate less aggressive diuretic e.g torsemide is advised, replacing the more powerful drugs.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D