10 Best Diuretics for Swollen Legs

What is the best diuretic to buy?

Diuretics are used in the treatment of kidney diseases, complex therapy of arterial hypertension, in case of poisoning and during pregnancy.

These drugs are also readily used for weight loss, although this is not at all advisable, because their effect is short-lived, and potassium, calcium and magnesium are washed out of the body along with the fluid.

Thiazide diuretics are recommended for the treatment of hypertension, liver and kidney diseases, glaucoma and edema. Their active substances are quickly absorbed, and the effect of one tablet lasts up to 12 hours.

The main advantage of thiazide medications over other diuretics is maintaining the acid-base balance of the blood.

For edema of the brain, lungs, acute renal or heart failure, as well as for hypertensive crises, loop diuretics are used. These are drugs with many side effects that interfere with the absorption of beneficial substances, but they have the most pronounced diuretic effect.

They should be used only for health reasons, and taking them for rapid weight loss is permissible only in extreme cases.

For intracranial and intraocular pressure, poisoning and sepsis, osmotic diuretics are used. Products in the form of a solution for intravenous injection increase urine volume and reduce blood plasma pressure, quickly eliminating edema.

For heart failure, hypertension and edema syndrome, potassium-sparing diuretics are prescribed. They act gently, without disturbing the acid-base balance of the blood, but they also have many disadvantages. Thus, they have a teratogenic effect, causing mastopathy, menstrual irregularities and impotence.

In cases of drug poisoning, epilepsy and gout, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are prescribed as part of complex therapy. The diuretic effect of taking these drugs is subtle, but occurs quickly and lasts up to 10 hours.

For cystitis, urolithiasis, edema caused by poor diet, pregnancy and menstruation, choose herbal diuretic complexes. Such drugs will definitely not cause severe adverse reactions, and their effect is in no way inferior to synthetic drugs.

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Classification

Medicines are classified according to certain criteria.
According to the mechanism of action and localization:

acting at the level of the renal tubules;
the action occurs at the level of the apical membrane;
competitive and non-competitive aldosterone antagonists;
acting at the level of the basement membrane;
carbonic anhydrase inhibitors;
thiazide and thiaz-like;
loop;
osmotically active;
increasing blood circulation in the kidneys.

Medicines that vary in strength - strong, medium and light diuretics for swelling of the legs.

Depending on the speed of onset of the diuretic effect, there are drugs:

emergency action;
average speed;
long lasting, gentle.

According to the duration of the therapeutic effect - short, medium and long.

The doctor determines which diuretic tablets are best for swelling of the legs, taking into account the etiology of the disorders.

Best thiazide diuretics

The active ingredients in such drugs are indipamide, hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone, xipamide and chlorthalidone.

These components act on the renal tubules, preventing the absorption of potassium, sodium and chlorine, which retain fluid in the body. As a result, a diuretic effect occurs, blood pressure decreases and swelling disappears.

Teva "Triampur Compositum" - a diuretic with a normalizing effect

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A complex with a diuretic and hypotensive effect based on triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide is used for arterial hypertension, liver cirrhosis, late toxicosis and chronic venous insufficiency.

The drug in the form of tablets is taken from 2 to 8 tablets per day over the age of 18 years, the duration of the course is individual.

Excessive dosages or long-term use often provoke muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, dry eyes and anemia. The medicine flushes potassium and magnesium from the body, so for a long course, take a vitamin-mineral complex.

Advantages:

Pronounced diuretic effect;
Wide range of applications;
Can be taken in late pregnancy;
Reduces blood pressure;
Affordable price (about 350 rubles).

Flaws:

Contraindicated for minors.

Triampur Compositum is a highly effective diuretic drug, which is often prescribed as part of complex therapy for arterial hypertension.

Pharmland "Hydrochlorothiazide" - a diuretic with an express effect

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The diuretic drug contains 25 mg of the active substance of the same name, which increases urine volume and relieves muscle tension.

The drug for episodic and course use is taken from 1 to 4 tablets per day. The main indications for its use are swelling in obesity, arterial hypertension and glaucoma.

Long-term use or excess dosage provokes tachycardia, weakness, disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, dizziness and allergic rashes.

Taking Hydrochlorothiazide is prohibited for persons under 18 years of age, during pregnancy, lactation, as well as for renal failure, diabetes and gout.

Advantages:

Price up to 100 rubles;
Express effect;
Suitable for occasional and long-term use;
Reduces blood pressure;
Eliminates swelling.

Flaws:

There are contraindications, although there are few of them.

Hydrochlorothiazide is recommended as an express remedy for short-term weight loss for athletes, models and girls preparing for special special events.

Les Laboratoires Servier "Arifon Retard" - a combined diuretic for hypertensive patients

4.8

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A product containing 1.5 mg of indapamide is used in the complex treatment of hypertension. The drug is prescribed from the age of 18, 1 tablet per day, preferably in the morning; increasing the dosage increases the diuretic effect, but does not reduce blood pressure. The effect of taking the drug occurs within 1-2 hours and lasts throughout the day.

The most common adverse reactions from long-term use of Arifon are skin rashes, asthma, hypokalemia, weakness, fainting, and reversible visual impairment.

The drug is contraindicated in renal and liver failure, as well as during pregnancy due to insufficient clinical data on its safety.

Advantages:

Fast diuretic effect;
Reduces blood pressure;
Minimum contraindications;
Suitable for long-term use;
Affordable price (about 350 rubles).

Flaws:

Severe adverse reactions are possible.

Arifon Retard is often prescribed to overweight elderly people suffering from arterial hypertension and swelling.

Top 3. Eufillin

Rating (2020): 4.36

138 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Оtabletkah, Otzovik, Protabletky, Doctors.rf

Nomination
Affordable cost "Eufillin" is one of the cheapest drugs among those presented in the rating. Buying it will definitely not be a burden on the family budget.
Read also: "Ketoconazole", tablets: instructions for use, analogues
Characteristics
Manufacturer: Pharmstandard Leksredstva (Russia)
Active ingredient: aminophylline
Dispensing rule: by prescription
During pregnancy: with caution
Dosage: prescribed individually
Side effects: dizziness, anxiety, tachycardia, decreased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, allergic reaction

"Eufillin" is one of the best medications that copes with edema during pregnancy. It promotes vasodilation, helps the kidneys better remove excess fluid from the body, and normalizes high blood pressure. In addition, it is indicated for the treatment of placental insufficiency, chronic lung diseases and bronchial asthma. The drug should be taken under the strict supervision of a doctor. It is prescribed in short courses for severe swelling. According to reviews, the medicine effectively removes excess fluid from the body, is a good antispasmodic, and reduces swelling and discomfort. After administration, it is quickly and completely absorbed.

Advantages and disadvantages

Low price
A drug known on the market for a long time
Wide spectrum of action

Sold by prescription
It is not a diuretic, although it has a diuretic effect
Prescribed during pregnancy only if the benefit to the mother is greater than the risk to the fetus

The best loop diuretics

Loop diuretics have the most pronounced diuretic effect due to the presence of furosemide or ethacrynic acid. The drugs are taken for renal failure and poisoning. This medicine is also purchased for the purpose of rapid weight loss.

Such diuretics have many side effects, so take care of your health and do not take them unless absolutely necessary.

Berlin-Chemie Menarini "Trifas" - a safe diuretic with a pronounced effect

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A highly effective diuretic drug is prescribed for diseases of the liver, kidneys and heart, accompanied by edema. The active substance of the complex is torasemide in a concentration of 10 or 200 mg.

The minimum daily dosage is 5 mg, gradually increasing the dose to 50-200. Do not take Trifas without your doctor's permission for more than 7 days in a row, otherwise it will cause hypokalemia, decreased blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance.

Due to insufficient clinical data on safety, the drug is contraindicated in minors, pregnant and lactating women. Discontinue the drug if you have renal failure, hypotension, prostate hypertrophy, or urinary problems.

Advantages:

Quick effect;
Eliminates swelling of various origins;
Available without a prescription;
Sold in various volumes (30, 50, 100 pieces);
Non-toxic;
Effect up to 16 hours.

Flaws:

High price - almost 3 thousand for 100 tablets.

Trifas is a modern diuretic recommended to eliminate swelling caused by problems with thyroid hormones.

Sanofi India Limited "Lasix" - relieves swelling

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A fast-acting diuretic based on furosemide will work within 30 minutes, and the effect of taking it will last up to 12 hours.

The drug in tablet form is prescribed for edema syndrome, renal failure, hypertensive crisis and cerebral edema.

The drug is prescribed 1-2 tablets per day, the duration of treatment is always individual. Exceeding recommended doses provokes thrombosis, renal dysfunction, arrhythmia, hypotension, muscle weakness and confusion. Contraindications to Lasix include hypokalemia, pregnancy, lactation and cardiac pathology.

Advantages:

Intense diuretic effect;
Long lasting effect;
In minimal dosages it does not affect the cardiovascular system;
Can be taken for a long time;
Costs less than 100 rubles.

Flaws:

Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Lasix is one of the most affordable diuretics, the occasional use of which will quickly eliminate swelling after eating salty foods, medications, or during menstruation.

Teva "Diuver" - a modern fast-acting complex

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The loop diuretic in tablet form contains 5 mg of torasemide. The drug is effective in eliminating edema and treating arterial hypertension, and the effect of taking it occurs within 3 hours. The product is taken in the morning, 1 tablet along with plenty of water for 7-10 days.

Be careful - increasing doses may cause diarrhea, vomiting and skin rashes. Diuver is contraindicated in minors, pregnant and lactating women, as well as in renal failure and hypokalemia.

Advantages:

Sold in various volumes (20 and 60 tablets);
Quick effect;
Eliminates swelling;
Normalizes blood pressure;
Suitable for long-term use.

Flaws:

There are contraindications.

Diuver is a diuretic with a minimum of side effects. Its periodic use is recommended if the body is prone to fluid retention.

Causes of leg swelling

The legs and feet are located in the lowest part of the body of a person who spends most of his life in an upright position. Water in the body is distributed throughout the vascular system and intercellular space, and an imbalance between them forms swelling. The pressure in the capillaries is higher than in the tissues, so moisture is pushed into them, which is why edema forms.

Swelling of the legs in a healthy person is explained by physiological features. As a rule, the body copes with a small amount of fluid in the tissues on its own, through the venous system, but sometimes failures occur. Non-pathological causes of leg swelling are the human body’s reaction to the following factors:

increased physical activity, accumulated fatigue;
intense heat;
unbalanced diet (consumption of salty, spicy, fatty, sweet foods that provoke fluid retention);
poor metabolism;
obesity;
physical inactivity;
bad ecology;
alcoholism, smoking;
sitting on a too low, soft seat;
flat feet;
stress;
staying in an incorrect position for a long time when sitting (crossing your legs, crossing them);
long flights;
wearing tight shoes, high-heeled shoes or boots with completely flat soles;
taking certain types of medications;
menopause, premenstrual syndrome (swelling provokes a decrease in the amount of progestins - steroid female sex hormones).

Often women face the problem of swelling of the legs during pregnancy, while in expectant mothers this is, as a rule, not a pathological condition. The most common reasons for the accumulation of excess fluid in extracellular tissue spaces in pregnant women are the following:

the natural process of sodium accumulation during gestation (salts attract water);
an increase in the size of the uterus, due to which the pressure of the organ on the pelvic vessels increases and a weak outflow of venous blood occurs;
hormonal changes that cause water retention in the legs, heaviness;
gestosis, which can provoke severe swelling of the legs, while a woman’s body weight can increase by more than 20% (this is a dangerous condition of late toxicosis that requires medical supervision).

A person may consider himself healthy, but if his lower limbs often and noticeably swell, this is a reason to immediately visit a doctor . Swelling is sometimes a symptom of the disease, and its elimination is associated with treatment, primarily from a phlebologist. Swelling of the feet and legs can be caused by the following pathological factors:

kidney disease (this causes stagnation of fluid in the tissues);
thrombosis, varicose veins (as a rule, it is hereditary and indicates blockage of blood vessels);
diseases of the cardiovascular system (a weak organ cannot cope with its functions and cannot ensure normal blood flow in the deep veins);
arthritis (swelling often occurs in the morning, after rest);
pathologies of the endocrine system;
lymphedema (weakening of lymph outflow);
diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders (cause disruption in the functioning of the body, increase the risk of developing infections in the vessels of the extremities);
liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis (impaired organ function leads to the squeezing of water from the vessels into the intercellular space).

The best potassium-sparing diuretics

Potassium-sparing diuretics have a mild diuretic effect due to the presence of spironolactone, amiloride and triamterene. Typically, such drugs are used in complex therapy of heart failure.

In minimal doses, medications in this group do not provoke adverse reactions, but if they are exceeded, arrhythmia may occur.

Minskintercaps "Spironolactone-MIC" - a safe diuretic for children and pregnant women

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Tablets containing 25 mg of the substance of the same name can be taken from the age of 12 in a minimum dosage (3-4 pieces per day) for 2-3 weeks. The diuretic effect as a result of its administration is achieved after 2-5 days of therapy.

The product is recommended for eliminating swelling of various origins, in the treatment of arterial hypertension, adrenal adenoma, polycystic ovary syndrome and during menstruation.

Long-term use of Spironolactone may cause nausea, headache, intestinal colic, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and drowsiness.

The drug underwent clinical studies in groups of pregnant women, which confirmed its safety in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Advantages:

Mild diuretic effect;
Regulates blood pressure;
Eliminates swelling;
Can be prescribed to children and pregnant women;
Does not wash out potassium and magnesium.

Flaws:

There is no express effect.

Spironolactone-MIC is a non-toxic diuretic recommended for the treatment of edema during pregnancy.

Borshchagovsky HVZ "Epletor" - a product with a prolonged effect

4.9

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A potassium-sparing diuretic in tablet form containing 25 or 50 mg of epleronone is used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and chronic edema.

Take 1 tablet, gradually increasing the daily dose to 2. Duration of therapy is 14 days.

An overdose of epleronone is unlikely and is usually expressed by an increase in blood pressure. Absolute contraindications to its use are hyperkalemia and severe renal failure.

Due to the lack of safety data, the drug should not be taken by minors, nursing women or pregnant women.

Advantages:

Cumulative effect;
Rare adverse reactions;
Minimum contraindications;
Does not wash potassium and magnesium out of the blood;
Sold in various concentrations (25 and 50 mg).

Flaws:

Not suitable for occasional use.

Epletor is usually prescribed as part of complex therapy after a myocardial infarction.

Common juniper

This plant can be used either independently or as part of other herbs. Prepare the product in the same way as described in the previous recipe, only leave it in a thermos for 4 hours.

It is recommended to take the medicine three times a day and only before meals.

A good preparation is obtained if you mix in equal proportions:

juniper;
licorice;
fennel.

The mixture in a volume of 4 tablespoons is brewed in 2 liters of hot water. Take the infusion three times a day, sip at a time, and always after meals.

Juniper has not only beneficial properties, but also contraindications. The fragrant infusion is not recommended for use:

pregnant women;
persons with chronic kidney and urinary tract diseases.

Diuretic herbal preparations for the treatment of leg swelling that occurs in the elderly

Mix cornflower flowers and chopped licorice root (1 part each) in a dry bowl. Add three scoops of bearberry. Brew the mixture with 3 cups of boiling water. Wrap the jar well and leave until it cools, and then strain. Take a tablespoon before meals.

For the next collection you will need:

strawberry leaves (1 part);
horsetail (2);
St. John's wort (2);
motherwort (3).

The mixture in the amount of 2 tablespoons is brewed with 200 milliliters of boiling water. Leave for no more than half an hour and filter. Take a glass in the morning and at lunch.

Another recipe for leg swelling:

nettle, rose hips, St. John's wort, bearberry and plantain are mixed in equal parts;
1 tablespoon of the composition is poured with 500 milliliters of boiling water;
kept warm until cool;
The strained infusion is drunk in a glass twice a day.

The best diuretics are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have a mild diuretic effect and are often used in the complex treatment of glaucoma, epilepsy, edema syndrome and mountain sickness.

The active component in such complexes is acetolazamide. Such drugs are usually taken once every two days, the duration of treatment is individual.

Polpharba "Diakarb" - a drug with a mild diuretic effect

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Tablets with 250 mg of acetolazamide have little diuretic activity. The drug inhibits carbonic angibrasis, increasing the amount of contents in the bladder.

Tablets are prescribed from the age of three and are taken ¼-2 tablets per day for 3 days, after which the diuretic effect of taking them disappears.

The product flushes potassium and magnesium from the body, so take the appropriate mineral complex with it. The most common adverse reactions are loss of appetite, thirst, anxiety, and reversible disturbances in the functioning of the organs of hearing and vision.

Diacarb is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy, lactation, diabetes, uremia and liver failure.

Advantages:

Cost up to 300 rubles;
Wide range of applications;
Minimal adverse reactions;
Suitable for children from 3 years old;
Can be prescribed in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Flaws:

Weak diuretic effect.

Due to the slight diuretic effect, independent use of Diacarb for swelling is not advisable. But this remedy is often used in the treatment of childhood glaucoma and to improve acclimatization when staying in mountainous areas.

Akrikhin Acetolazamide-ACRI - a mild diuretic for children and adults

4.9

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A diuretic drug in the form of tablets is prescribed for edema syndrome, 1 piece per day, which provides a diuretic effect for up to 16 hours. Usually the drug is taken for 3 days with a one-day interval.

Acetolazamide is also prescribed for epilepsy, glaucoma, intracranial hypertension and altitude sickness as part of complex therapy. The main contraindications to its use are diabetes, renal failure and metabolic disorders.

Exceeding recommended doses does not increase the diuretic effect, but can cause electrolyte imbalance, dizziness, drowsiness and hearing and vision problems.

The product for adults and children over 3 years of age does not have a teratogenic or toxic effect, therefore, if necessary, it is prescribed to pregnant women.

Advantages:

Prescribed for pregnant women;
Compatible with many other medications;
Wide range of applications;
Minimal contraindications;
Affordable price (200 rubles).

Flaws:

Flushes potassium and magnesium from the body.

Acetolazamide-ACRI can be taken by almost everyone as a mild decongestant. Taking 2-4 tablets per day 2 days before climbing the mountains neutralizes the signs of altitude sickness.

FAQ

Is it possible to take diuretics every day?

The frequency of taking diuretic tablets depends on the disease for which they are used. For example, with high blood pressure, combination drugs are often prescribed, which, in addition to diuretics, also contain other active ingredients that affect the mechanism of increasing pressure. Most often, these drugs are intended for course or continuous use, which means they can be taken every day.

But if we are talking about the use of diuretics to relieve, for example, morning swelling on the face after drinking alcohol or during a hangover (potent drugs such as furosemide are often used), then in such cases daily use of diuretics is prohibited - drug dependence may arise, and you will swell more. In addition, when taking such medications, the body loses a lot of fluid and potassium in a short period of time.

Will diuretics help you lose weight?

No. When taking diuretics, water is lost, not fat. Of course, due to the loss of fluid, the weight will decrease, but then the water will return in a larger volume, the weight will increase again, swelling will appear, for the removal of which you will have to take diuretics - a vicious circle arises.

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The best herbal diuretics

Synthetic diuretics have side effects and are usually prescribed in the complex treatment of serious diseases.

If the main purpose of taking them is to eliminate edema, limit yourself to taking herbal diuretics. In addition, such remedies are ideal in the treatment of cystitis and urolithiasis.

Evalar “Milona” 14 – 9 phytoextracts for kidney health

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A combination of extracts of elecampane, lingonberry, calamus, rose hips, burdock, licorice and other herbs will provide a pronounced diuretic effect without disrupting water-salt metabolism.

The drug in tablet form is taken from the age of 14, 2 tablets with food once a day. The minimum course of therapy is 1 month.

The product normalizes the functioning of the urinary system, eliminates muscle tension, increases the volume of fluid in the bladder and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

The drug is prescribed for inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system; it can also be taken without fear for edema of various origins.

Advantages:

Plant composition;
Has no adverse reactions;
Does not disturb electrolyte balance;
Relieves inflammatory processes of the urinary system;
Minimum contraindications;
Cost up to 350 rubles per 100 tablets.

Flaws:

Allergic reactions are possible.

Milona 14 is a safe diuretic complex that will quickly eliminate swelling and relieve symptoms of inflammatory diseases of the bladder.

Solgar Herbal Water Pill – anti-edema herbal cocktail

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The herbal diuretic is taken one capsule 3 times a day to normalize the functioning of the urinary system and eliminate swelling.

Contraindications to the complex include pregnancy, lactation and individual intolerance. The product contains extracts of juniper, parsley, barberry, bearberry and agathosma.

The drug has a pronounced diuretic, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant and analgesic effect, increasing urine volume, eliminating swelling and symptoms of cystitis, pyelonephritis and urethritis. Taking Herbal Water Pill does not cause any adverse reactions.

Advantages:

Safe composition;
High efficiency;
Minimum contraindications;
There are no adverse reactions;
Can be taken for a long time;
Relieves diseases of the urinary system and edema.

Flaws:

Difficult to find on sale.

Taking a herbal diuretic from Solgar is recommended for the treatment and prevention of urological diseases, as well as for removing excess fluid from the body in case of hormonal imbalances.

The doctor's consultation

Swelling of the legs is not an independent pathology - it is a manifestation of the disease.
They can occur systematically, periodically or very rarely. The occurrence of a lymph drainage disorder in one leg may be a sign of a surgical problem. In any case, if such manifestations occur, it is recommended to consult a family doctor. Before prescribing diuretics, the doctor evaluates the condition of the affected area. Takes into account the density, softness, color of the skin.

Additionally, laboratory tests, ultrasound, and x-rays are prescribed. This will make it possible to reliably study the density of soft tissues, the condition of blood vessels and identify the etiology of the pathology.

Initially, a loading dose is prescribed to quickly relieve acute symptoms. Therapy is continued using a maintenance dosage.

It is strictly forbidden to take diuretics for swelling of the legs on your own, as this can aggravate the course of the disease.

The best osmotic diuretics

Osmotic diuretics are available in the form of liquid solutions for intravenous administration. Such medications are used in hospitals as emergency medicine.

The main active ingredients in them are mannitol, glycerin and glucose, which attract fluid, increasing the contents of the bladder and stimulating urination.

OJSC Kraspharma "Mannit" - osmotic diuretic for children and adults

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A solution with mannitol is intended only for intravenous administration, since the drug is practically not absorbed when taken orally.

A diuretic for children and adults is used for poisoning, cerebral edema and acute renal failure at the rate of 1.5 g per 1 kg of weight.

The expected effect after the procedure occurs within 2-3 hours and lasts up to 13 hours. In the absence of diuresis, further use of Mannitol is inappropriate.

The main symptoms of overdose are surges in intracranial and intraocular pressure, disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Droppers with Mannitol are contraindicated during lactation and pregnancy, with hemorrhagic stroke, dehydration and necrosis of the kidney tubules.

Advantages:

High efficiency;
Compatible with loop diuretics;
Has no age restrictions;
Wide range of applications;
The price is less than 100 rubles.

Flaws:

Used only in stationary conditions.

Mannitol is one of the few diuretics that can be used in pediatrics. Thus, the drug is often used in the complex treatment of hydrocephalus in children.

Gels

Among the products used externally to eliminate swelling, gels are used most often. The reason is the light texture without stickiness or greasy marks, quick action after use.

List of gels:

Troxevasin gel. The drug contains troxerutin, a generally recognized substance that strengthens and tones the walls of blood vessels and veins. As a result of an increase in the tone of the veins, the fluid from them penetrates less into nearby tissues and the swelling decreases. Troxerutin reduces blood viscosity and relieves inflammation; this can also be used for swelling from bruises, dislocations, hematomas, and sprains. Apply every 8 hours to the swollen surface.
Diclofenac gel . It contains the drug substance of the same name – diclofenac. Has a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect at the site of application. Used for bruises, dislocations, sprains, arthritis, arthrosis. By reducing the inflammatory process, blood circulation improves, and as a result, the swelling accompanying the disease subsides. Apply to painful, swollen areas of the legs. Contraindicated for pregnant women.
Horsepower gel . Consists of natural ingredients: extracts of horse chestnut and medicinal leech, menthol, camphor, mint, eucalyptus, lavender and clove oils. Chestnut - tones the walls of blood vessels, improves blood circulation, leech extract - thins the blood, improving its circulation, eucalyptus, lavender, mint oils relieve inflammation. Menthol and camphor have a distracting effect and eliminate heaviness in the legs. In combination, the gel relieves swelling and eliminates pain associated with varicose veins. Rubs into problem areas of the legs.

Prevention

Provided there are no chronic diseases, it is quite simple to prevent swelling in the legs without the use of drugs. To do this, experts recommend the following:

wearing low-heeled shoes;
use of compression hosiery if you are prone to varicose veins;
regular medical examinations;
proper nutrition;
giving up alcohol and smoking;
sports 2-4 times a week and daily home exercises;
performing a foot massage when they are tired.

If swelling occurs periodically, you should consult a doctor. Early diagnosis of the disease significantly increases the likelihood of a full and rapid recovery.

Swelling of the legs is a symptom of an underlying disease. Before treatment, it is necessary to undergo a full examination. Treatment agents are selected individually. Only some local medications are allowed to be used independently.

About the benefits of herbs

Herbal preparations for maintaining health are not only herbs, but also essential oils. While the former can be used in various ways, the latter are usually used for baths or massage.

Natural remedies are slightly less effective than drugs sold in pharmacies, but they are quite safe and have a minimum of side effects.

Many plants are added fresh as seasonings to dishes and even confectionery.

Prepared from them:

tinctures (water or alcohol),
decoctions;
tea.

Ready-to-use products can be purchased at pharmacies. However, it will not be difficult to collect the herbs yourself and dry them. Some lovers even manage to grow them on their windowsill.

We will describe the main properties of plants, and equally contraindications (which would be useful for adults to know about), below.

Action plan after detection of swelling

Feet that swell regularly should be treated by seeing a doctor. Self-medication may be ineffective - the use of drugs will only eliminate the symptom, but will not cure the underlying disease.

To prescribe effective therapy, it is necessary to undergo diagnostics that reveal the primary pathology. Types of prescribed examinations:

Ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities;
ECG to assess heart function;
hormone tests;
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland and genital endocrine organs;
lymphoscintigraphy – diagnostics of the lymphatic system;
MRI of leg vessels - if problems are detected on ultrasound;
general and biochemical urine tests - obtaining a general picture of the state of health, assessing kidney function;
blood test for glucose levels;
X-ray of joints in the area of edema to exclude their pathologies.

After the main diagnosis, additional research may be carried out. Treatment is prescribed strictly based on test results.

Alternative medicine methods

Folk remedies can be as effective as pharmaceutical creams and ointments for swelling of the legs. The basic rule that must be taken into account to achieve the desired result is the regular use of folk recipes. The effect of such therapy does not appear immediately. It has a cumulative effect and appears several days or weeks after the start of treatment.

The most popular folk remedies:

Foot baths. To relieve fatigue and swelling, you need to take baths daily for 10-15 days. Decoctions of herbs such as black elderberry bark and leaves, horsetail, juniper, chamomile, birch leaves, and mint should be added to the water. All of these plants can be used simultaneously or separately. You can replace herbs with a solution of soda, salt or mustard.
Compresses. The compress itself is a gauze bandage soaked in the drug. The raw materials used are grated potatoes, white radish, herbal decoctions, bark and black elderberry berries.

You should not forget about physical exercise. Light daily exercises for the legs and the whole body will help improve blood circulation in all organs and systems. To improve your health, you need to exercise for at least 15-20 minutes daily. If your health worsens, exercise should be stopped.

Herbs that will definitely help

Herbal diuretics have gained wide popularity among consumers due to their diuretic properties, the presence of minerals and vitamins that promote rapid recovery of the body. Plants can have a positive effect on overall well-being and stabilize heart rate. You can eat infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs. They have less effect compared to various drugs, but at the same time cause minimal damage to the patient’s health.

The benefits of herbal diuretics have been scientifically proven. They are often used as decoctions, but medicinal baths are no less effective. They are suitable for people whose swelling is not associated with pathological changes in the body. The most famous bath mixture consists of birch leaves and mint. If you steam your feet in this product, the swelling will decrease after 10-15 minutes.

There is a huge variety of plants that exhibit diuretic effects. Let's look at the most popular of them.

Dandelion

The roots and leaves of this plant are used to prepare a diuretic. Doctors recommend dandelion decoctions for problems with the body's hydrobalance, problems with excess weight and intestines.

To prepare a healing infusion, you need to take 1 tablespoon of dried plant per 200 ml of boiling water. The resulting mixture should sit for at least 40 minutes in a dark room. It is recommended to consume the decoction 30 minutes before meals in an amount of no more than 100 ml.

Chamomile

Chamomile infusions are known for their tonic and immunizing functions. Tea from this plant, drunk in the morning on an empty stomach, will significantly improve digestion and normalize liver function.

To prepare the decoction, you need to take 1 tablespoon of the dried plant, pour 250 ml of boiling water and let it sit for 20 minutes. The decoction should be taken before or after meals. Doctors recommend drinking no more than 3 cups of chamomile tea daily. The course of treatment is up to 10 days.

Liquorice root

Licorice is one of the universal medicinal plants. It is indispensable for normalizing and regulating the water-salt balance in the body. Licorice-based decoctions help improve metabolism, lower blood pressure, and have a healing effect on colds.

According to experts, the most effective infusion against swelling is a mixture of licorice root, peppermint, lemon balm and centaury (1 tablespoon per 500 ml of boiling water). The product is brewed like regular tea (no more than 15 minutes), it is recommended to drink the decoction after eating.

Flax seeds

An infusion of flax seeds stimulates the normalization of the liver and intestines, restores blood circulation, and rids the body of cholesterol. The plant has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the kidneys. Due to this, flax decoction is recommended for use by people suffering from chronic kidney pathologies.

To prepare the decoction, take 1 teaspoon of seeds, add a glass of hot water and boil. The resulting product is infused for 15 minutes. For the appearance of diuretic functions, it is recommended to drink 20 ml of infusion daily before meals.

Black elderberry

To prepare a diuretic, you must use dried berries or flowers of the plant. This plant, which relieves swelling of the legs, has a strong diuretic effect. Black elderberry is known for its laxative functions, so taking the decoction is allowed in compliance with the minimum dosages.

To obtain an effective infusion, you need 2 tbsp. spoons of flowers or elderberries pour 500 ml of boiling water. The resulting mixture is sent to a dark place for 10-12 hours to infuse. After the designated period of time has passed, the mixture should be filtered and drunk in small portions (up to 50 ml) throughout the day after meals.

Blue cornflower

The plant has a strong diuretic effect, so it should be used with careful dosage. It is not recommended for use by people suffering from stomach problems, since cornflower is a mildly poisonous plant.

To prepare the decoction you need to take 1 tbsp. spoon of dried plant, pour 250 ml of boiling water. The resulting mixture is infused in a cool, dark place for at least 8 hours. Take the infusion 2 tablespoons 15-20 minutes before meals