Water pill causes bone

Between 2000 and 2002, Dr Lionel S Lim of Griffin Hospital, Derby, Connecticut and colleagues tested the bone mineral density levels of 3,269 men older than 65.

Patients received follow-up examinations about 4.6 years later.

The researchers collected data on medication use and found that 84 men were continuous users of loop diuretics, 181 were intermittent users and 3,004 were non-users.

At the end of the study, researchers found the decline rate in total hipbone mineral density higher among continuous drug users as compared to those who were not on diuretics or on diuretics partially.

The new projections in the study have raised concern among the medical fraternity here.

“Osteoporosis is becoming a major concern, especially among females. However, recent studies show that men are also getting into its grip. Hypertension and heart failure are common co-morbid conditions associated with elderly men where the use of diuretics may further worsen bone problems as per the study. Physicians should therefore be made aware of its dangers and frequent monitoring should be done,” said Dr NP Singh, Professor of Medicine at Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC).

Researchers have also cited an association between the use of powerful diuretics and increased risk of fractures, which was earlier explored.

The new study, according to them has reinforced their viewpoint. Healthcare providers should take into account loop diuretic use while evaluating older men for risk factors associated with bone loss and fractures, feel researchers.