Diuretics

What are they?

Diuretics are drugs that change the body's balance of fluids and salts. They can cause the body to lose water, which can lower an athlete's weight. Diuretics also may help athletes pass drug tests that check for signs of drugs in the urine. They dilute the urine and may hide traces of drugs.

Risks

Diuretics can cause side effects when you take them at any dose — even at doses that health care providers suggest. These drugs make athletes more likely to have side effects such as:

• Losing more fluids than you take in. This is a serious problem called dehydration.
• Squeezing pain in muscles called cramps.
• Feeling faint, woozy, weak or not steady.
• Being low on a mineral called potassium, which the body needs to work well.
• Having a drop in blood pressure.
• Feeling clumsy when you move and having trouble keeping your balance.

Diuretics can lead to death if an athlete uses them for doping.