Diuretic therapy can be discontinued in selected patients but should be done with caution. Some patients may be on diuretics for many years without knowing why.
Patients in whom discontinuation of a diuretic might be possible:
(1) no clear indication for its use
(2) diuretic abuse
(3) correction of the condition that required diuretic use
The patient should be monitored carefully if diuretics are discontinued.
Following discontinuation of the diuretic the patient may have:
(1) increased weight from fluid retention
(2) ankle edema
(3) heart failure
(4) rise in blood pressure
For a patient without underlying cardiovascular or renal disease the changes may be transient and reverse in a few weeks.
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