RISK OF HYDROELECTROLYTE DISORDERS WHEN USING DIURETICS IN THE SEARCH FOR WEIGHT LOSS: A WARNING FOR PHARMACEUTICAL ATTENTION

Abstract

Diuretics are medications used clinically to control blood pressure through the renal excretion of electrolytes and water, due to the mechanism of action they are commonly used erroneously in attempts to lose body weight, especially furosemide. The purpose of this study is to expose the risks cause by self-medication with this drug class in women who are overweight or obese in an attempt to lose weight, such as hydroelectrolytic disorders, in addition to highlighting the importance of health professional to monitoring this patient, in particular, pharmacists. This study was carried out through a bibliographical review, conducted on the basis of Academic Google and BVS. It is inferred that diuretics, in addition to not reducing body fat, also cause a lot of harm to health.