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It can occur anywhere in the body, but a person is more likely to notice it in the hands, feet, arms, or legs. Edema can have many causes, such as heart failure, diabetes, pregnancy, liver disease, and kidney disease. Some cases of edema do not require treatment. However, when treatment is necessary, a doctor will typically treat the underlying cause. They may also prescribe medications to help reduce fluids in the body. This article reviews some medications doctors may use to treat edema. Learn more about edema here. Prescription medications at a glance Share on PinterestWestend61/Getty ImagesTreatment may include either prescription diuretics or anticoagulants. The tables below outline common medications to treat edema. Loop diuretics The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved loop diuretics for treating edema associated with liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and nephrotic syndrome. Loop diuretics work by helping the body process and expel more fluid to reduce fluid retention. The table below shows some common loop diuretics.Brand nameGeneric nameDosesSide effectsLasixfurosemide• oral tablet: 20, 40, and 80 milligrams (mg)• injectable solution: 10 mg/milliliter (ml) • oral solution: 8 and 10 mg/ml• frequent urination• blurred vision• headache• constipation• diarrheaBumexbumetanide• oral tablet: 0.5, 1, and 2 mg• intravenous (IV) solution: 0.25 mg/ml• frequent urination• dizziness• upset stomach• diarrheaDemadextorsemide• oral tablet: 5, 10, 20, and 100 mg• injectable solution: 10 mg/ml • frequent urination• cough• constipation• diarrhea• hearing loss• ringing in the ears• sore throat• headache• upset stomachEdecrinethacrynic acid• oral tablet: 25 mg • powder form for injections: 50 mg • frequent urination • nausea• vomiting• loss of appetite• stomach pain• difficulty swallowing• loss of appetite• thirst• muscle cramps• weakness• headache• diarrhea Anticoagulants Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, prevent blood clots from forming and prevent existing clots from getting bigger. Brand nameGeneric nameDoseSide effectsHep-Lockheparingiven via IV line• redness, pain, bruising, or sores at injection site• hair loss• thrombocytopenia, or low platelet countXareltorivaroxaban2.5–20 mg• muscle spasm• pain in the arms or legs • vomiting • stomach pain• cough • rash Eliquisapixabanoral tablet: 2.5 and 5 mg • taking longer to stop bleeding• bleeding and bruising easily What is the first-line medication to treat edema Treatment for edema can vary widely depending on the underlying condition. People over age 50 may develop edema as a result of poor circulation. Younger people can develop the condition as a result of pregnancy, heart failure, liver failure, kidney failure, or trauma. When a doctor is treating edema directly, loop diuretics tend to be the first-line medication choice. In some cases, a doctor may also recommend using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A person who experiences swelling for unknown reasons should talk with a doctor about it, particularly if it lasts longer than a few days. Learn more about NSAIDs here. Over-the-counter medications Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are not available to treat edema. A person can buy OTC diuretics, but these are primarily for helping a person lose water weight associated with their menstrual cycle or mild health conditions. If someone has unexplained swelling and puffiness, they should inform a doctor. A doctor may perform a thorough physical exam and order blood tests and ultrasounds to determine the cause. They may also review a person’s current medications. Certain medications can trigger edema, including:certain vitaminsNSAIDshormone treatmentscalcium channel blockers A closer look at loop diuretics A doctor may prescribe medication to treat the underlying cause of edema. They may also prescribe either loop diuretic or anticoagulant medication. The following medications are loop diuretics: Furosemide Lasix Doctors may prescribe furosemide for various conditions that can cause edema, including congestive heart failure, liver failure, and renal failure. The brand name is Lasix. It comes in several doses based on the formulation:oral tablet: 20, 40, and 80 mginjectable solution: 10 mg/mloral solution: 8 and 10 mg/ml If a person experiences the following side effects from furosemide and the effects are persistent and severe, the person should tell a doctor: frequent urinationblurred visionheadacheconstipationdiarrhea If a person experiences the following side effects, they should seek immediate medical treatment:decreased urinationdry mouththirstnauseavomitingweaknessdrowsinessconfusionmuscle pain or cramps pounding heart or fast heart ratefeverringing in the earshearing lossrashhivesblisters or peeling skinitchingdifficulty breathing or swallowingyellowing of the skin or eyes Learn more about furosemide here. Bumetanide Bumex Bumetanide is a diuretic that doctors prescribe to treat edema due to kidney, liver, or heart failure. The brand name is Bumex. Bumetanide comes in several doses, depending on the formulation. For example, oral tablets are available in doses of 0.5, 1, and 2 mg, and IV solution is available at 0.25 mg/ml. If a person experiences the following side effects from bumetanide and the effects are persistent and severe, the person should tell a doctor: frequent urinationdizzinessupset stomachdiarrhea If a person experiences the following side effects, they should seek immediate medical treatment:rapid, excessive weight lossdecreased urinationdry mouththirstnauseavomitingweaknessdrowsinessconfusionmuscle pain or crampsrapid heart rate or pounding heartringing in the earsloss of hearingunusual bleeding or bruisingsevere rash with peeling skindifficulty breathing or swallowinghives Torsemide Demadex Torsemide is a loop diuretic known by the brand name Demadex. A doctor may prescribe it for edema due to heart failure, kidney disease, or liver damage. Torsemide comes in various doses depending on the formulation. In tablet form, it is available in strengths of 5, 10, 20, and 100 mg. As an injectable solution, it is available in 10 mg/ml. If a person experiences the following side effects, and the effects are persistent and severe, the person should tell a doctor: frequent urinationcoughconstipationdiarrheahearing lossringing in the earssore throatheadacheupset stomach If a person experiences the following side effects, they should seek immediate medical treatment:dry mouththirstnauseavomiting, especially vomiting bloodweaknesstirednessdrowsinessrestlessnessconfusionmuscle weaknesspaincrampsfast heartbeat and other signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalancerapid, excessive weight losschest paindifficulty breathing or swallowingblisters or peeling skinhivesrashitchingongoing pain that begins in the stomach area but may spread to the back Ethacrynic acid Edecrin Ethacrynic acid is a loop diuretic that doctors may use to treat edema due to chronic heart failure. The brand name is Edecrin. Ethacrynic acid is available as 25-mg oral tablets or in a 50-mg powder form for injections. If a person experiences the following side effects, and the effects are persistent and severe, the person should tell a doctor:frequent urination, which should not last longer than a few weeksnauseavomitingloss of appetitestomach paindifficulty swallowingloss of appetitethirstmuscle crampsweaknessheadachediarrhea If a person experiences the following side effects, they should seek immediate medical treatment:severe, watery diarrheahearing lossconfusionloss of balanceringing or fullness in the earsyellowing of the skin or eyesunusual bleeding or bruisingrashhivesdifficulty breathing A closer look at anticoagulants Anticoagulants, sometimes called blood thinners, prevent blood clots from forming and prevent existing clots from getting bigger. The following medications are anticoagulants: Heparin Hep-Lock A doctor may prescribe heparin to treat edema due to deep vein thrombosis or other clotting issues. A person can take heparin as an injection under the skin or through an IV drip. If a person experiences persistent and severe side effects, such as redness, pain, bruising, or sores at the injection site or hair loss, they should tell a doctor: If a person experiences the following side effects, they should seek immediate medical treatment:unusual bruising or bleedingvomit that is bloody or looks like coffee groundsstool that contains bright red blood or is black and tarryblood in urineexcessive tirednessnauseavomitingchest pain, pressure, or squeezingdiscomfort in the arms, shoulder, jaw, neck, or backcoughing up bloodexcessive sweatingsudden severe headachelightheadedness or faintingsudden loss of balance or coordinationsudden trouble walkingsudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the bodysudden confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speechdifficulty seeing discolored purple or black skin itching and burning, particularly on the soles of the feetchillsfeverhivesrashwheezingshortness of breathdifficulty breathing or swallowinghoarsenesspainful erection that lasts for hours Rivaroxaban Xarelto Rivaroxaban is a type of blood thinner doctors use to help treat different forms of blood clotting and other disorders. A doctor may recommend it for the treatment of edema as well. Rivaroxaban, sold under the brand name Xarelto, comes in doses of 2.5–20 mg. If a person experiences persistent and severe side effects, such as muscle spasms and stomach pain, they should tell a doctor: People should look out for these side effects in children who are taking this medication:pain in the arms or legs vomiting cough rash If a person experiences the following side effects, they should seek immediate medical treatment:back painmuscle weakness, especially in the legs and feetnumbness or tingling, especially in the legsloss of bowel or bladder control inability to move the legsbloody, black, or tarry stoolspink or brown urinecoughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee groundsfrequent nosebleedsbleeding gumsheavy menstrual bleedingweaknesstirednessheadachedizziness or faintingblurred visionpain in the arm or legrashitchingdifficulty breathing or swallowinghivespain or swelling at wound sites Apixaban Eliquis Medical professionals developed apixaban to help prevent stroke and blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. It may help treat peripheral edema that results from blood clotting. The brand name is Eliquis. Apixaban comes in 2.5- and 5-mg tablets, though dosing will vary based on a person’s condition. The most common side effect is bleeding and bruising more easily. Cuts or other injuries may also take longer to stop bleeding. If a person experiences the following side effects, they should seek immediate medical treatment:bleeding gumsnosebleedsheavy vaginal bleedingred, pink, or brown urinered or black, tarry stoolscoughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee groundsswelling or joint painheadacherashchest pain or tightnessswelling of the face or tonguetrouble breathingwheezingdizziness or a faint feeling Paying for medication A person may be able to get some financial help to pay for their medications. Several organizations can assist by connecting people with resources or providing financial help. A person can try the following organizations to look for help: OrganizationWhat they doPhone numberRxOutreachpatient assistance programs888-796-1234Medicareprescription drug plans800-633-4227BlinkHealthprescription drug discounts833-844-9621Eagle Pharmacy (EyeRx Direct)patient assistance programs844-813-3864PAN Foundationpatient assistance programs866-316-7263PharmacyCheckerprescription drug price comparison—NeedyMedspatient assistance programs800-503-6897RxHopepatient assistance programs—Partnership for Prescription Assistanceprescription assistance service888-477-2669ConnectiveRxaerie savings card844-807-9706 What else can help To prevent or reduce edema, a person can try the following self-care techniques:Elevate the swollen limb when sitting.Wear compression stockings.Limit salt intake.Avoid sitting for long periods without moving around.Stay active with gentle forms of exercise such as walking and swimming. Summary Edema is swelling due to liquid trapped in the body’s tissues. It is most common in the limbs and extremities. While many cases of edema improve without treatment, severe cases may require prescription medications, including diuretics and anticoagulants. Doctors diagnose and treat underlying conditions that cause edema. Conditions associated with edema include heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and liver disease. It is also common during pregnancy. Medications can cause side effects. A person should tell a doctor if they have severe or persistent side effects. They should also be aware of more serious side effects and seek emergency help if these develop. Last medically reviewed on September 12, 2022Lymphology/LymphedemaWomen's Health / GynecologyDrugs 20 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Agrawal, A., et al. (2021). Apixaban.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507910/Apixaban tablet, film coated. (2021).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=095a08ac-cf0e-497e-a682-ddef38d6b29cAribo, C., et al. (2022). Ethacrynic acid.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558988/Bumetanide tablet. (2022).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=05cb961d-ac33-4bcf-b04e-411e496c43c1Edema. (2017).https://medlineplus.gov/edema.htmlEthacrynic acid tablet. (2021).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=de7c25a6-ed00-4ef3-883d-f8841f5dbd02Furosemide - furosemide tablet. (2022).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=e3a5db0e-bf6c-4ea9-9133-c3f215c856d0Gasparis, A. P., et al. (2020). Diagnostic approach to lower limb edema.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7536506/Goyal, A., et al. (2022). Peripheral edema.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554452/Heparin sodium injection, solution. (2021).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=85b4a714-70cd-42ec-97ce-fd8515b2392eHuxel, C., et al. (2022). Loop diuretics.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546656/Kanderi, T., et al. (2022). Torsemide.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559175/Khan, T. M., et al. (2022). Furosemide.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499921/King, M. (2017). Management of edema.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5300735/Lent-Schochet, D., et al. (2022). Physiology, edema.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537065/Sidhu, G., et al. (2022). Bumetanide.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559181/Singh, R., et al. (2022). Rivaroxaban.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557502/Torsemide injection, solution. (2019).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=ea443790-f0d1-47e3-b753-a118f67f9cfeWarnock, L. B., et al. (2022). Heparin.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538247/Xarelto - rivaroxaban tablet, film coated. (2022).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=10db92f9-2300-4a80-836b-673e1ae91610FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Philip Ngo, PharmD — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on September 13, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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