Drug

Nutrient Depletions

Potential Health Problems

Loop Diuretics

Calcium

Heart/blood pressure irregularities, osteoporosis

Magnesium

asthma, cardiovascular problems, cramps

Potassium

edema, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness

Vitamin B₁

depression, edema, irritability, memory loss, muscle weakenss

Vitamin B6

depression, increased cardiovascular disease risk, sleep disturbance

Zinc

loss of sense of smell and taste, lower immunity, slow wound healing

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Triamterene (Dyrenium)

Calcium

Osteoporosis, heart/blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay

Folic Acid

Birth Defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, cardiovascular disease

Zinc

Slow wound healing, loss of sense of smell and taste, lower immunity

Hydrochlorothiazide and Triamterene (Dyazide, Maxzide)

Calcium

Osteoporosis, heart/blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay

Folic acid

Birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, cardiovascular disease

Vitamin B6

Depression, sleep disturbances, increased cardiovascular disease risk

Thiazide Diuretics

Thiazide Diuretics* blood

Co-Q10

congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, low energy

Magnesium

asthma, cardiovascular problems, cramps, osteoporosis, PMS

Potassium

edema, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness

Zinc

lower immunity, slow wound healing

*Drugs in this category include hydrochlorothiazide, methyclothiazide, indapamide and metolazone and are available under the following brand names: Aqatensen, Enduron Esidrix, Ezide, HydroDIURIL, Hydro-Par, Microzide, Oretic, Lozol, Mykrox and Zaroxolyn.

The scientific basis for this information is published from studies using these drugs or drugs from the same pharmacological class. Advise customers to ask their doctor or pharmacist if any of their medications can cause nutrient depletions.

Reprinted with permission from Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook (Lexi-Comp, 1999) by Ross Pelton, Ph.D., C.N.; James B. LaValle, N.D., C.N., D.H.M.; Ernest B. Hawkins; and Daniel L. Krinsky.