If you take bone-building meds and diuretics, read this

(lnzyx, Getty ImagesiStockphoto )
October 18, 2013|Suzy Cohen, Dear Pharmacist

Dear Pharmacist: I take a water pill (diuretic) for blood pressure. Now, I have to take Boniva for osteopenia. Is there a connection? What's next for me?— H.J., Ocala

Dear H.J.: Oh, yes, definitely connected! Your diuretic makes you lose water volume, but with every bathroom trip, you lose minerals! Many people are saying "A-ha" now, because you started out taking a blood pressure med, then at some point, you were prescribed a bone building drug for osteoporosis.

I'll share my side effect solutions because I realize you have to, need to, or want to take your prescription medications.

You ask: "What's next for me?" Depending on the specific diuretic you take, you may eventually need an antidepressant, something for leg cramps and tinnitus (ear ringing). You may need a drug for heart arrhythmias. All this to counter the mineral and electrolyte deficiencies that result from the drug-mugging effect of drug No. 1, your blood pressure drug!

Shocked? When side effects due to drug nutrient depletion (drug mugging) are not recognized, you get a new "disease" and a new medication for it. This gets me fired up! It's why I wrote "Drug Muggers" (Rodale, 2011).


Parsley or dandelion: These are gentler diuretics, less likely to cause the harsh depletion of minerals; also less likely to cause dehydration in low doses.



Coconut water: Unsweetened, unheated coconut water will restore electrolytes if you have to take diuretics or lisinopril, a popular blood pressure drug.


Sun Sentinel Articles