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Oedema

Oedema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues, most familiar as swelling of the ankles, feet and legs. It often settles on its own, and the pattern of swelling is what decides whether it needs looking at.

Lasix

Furosemide

40mg · 100mg

Furosemide tablets for oedema and high blood pressure. They make the kidneys expel extra fluid, which in turn reduces blood pressure.

From$0.38/ tabletView

Aldactone

Spironolactone

25mg · 50mg · 100mg

Spironolactone tablets for high blood pressure and heart failure. Unlike most diuretics, it conserves potassium rather than depleting it.

From$1.28/ tabletView

Diamox

Acetazolamide

250mg

Acetazolamide tablets for glaucoma and altitude sickness. It reduces fluid buildup in the eye and brain by blocking a carbonic anhydrase enzyme.

From$0.54/ tabletView

Key points

  • Common causes are ordinary ones: staying in one position too long, salty food, excess weight, pregnancy, varicose veins and thyroid problems.
  • Medicines are a frequent and easily missed cause, including some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, hormone therapy, antidepressants and steroids.
  • Swelling in one leg with no known cause, or that is severe, painful or sudden, warrants an urgent appointment.

Medicines listed for Oedema

The listed products contain Furosemide, Spironolactone and Acetazolamide, all in tablet form. Each belongs to a class of diuretics that helps the kidneys remove excess fluid, though they act at different points in the filtering process. Furosemide is a loop diuretic, Spironolactone blocks aldosterone, and Acetazolamide inhibits carbonic anhydrase. These medicines are also listed for other conditions such as hypertension, heart failure and glaucoma.

Further reading