Why Is Spironolactone-HCTZ Used for Water Retention?
One common cause of water retention is congestive heart failure (CHF). This is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body. It does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way that it should. This can lead to symptoms of CHF that include shortness of breath; swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs; and rapid weight gain (see Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure for more information). Spironolactone-HCTZ can help with water retention by helping the body to get rid of the extra fluid. However, the drug does not cure congestive heart failure.
