HOW DO LOOP DIURETICS WORK?
Loop diuretics are medications used to treat fluid overload conditions such as heart failure, nephrotic syndrome or cirrhosis, and hypertension, in addition to edema. Loop diuretics work to lower the fluid buildup in the body by reducing sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle, thereby causing the elimination of water and sodium from the body.
The loop of Henle is a long U-shaped structure of the kidney, responsible for recovering sodium and water from the urine. Excess fluid and sodium retention can lead to increased blood pressure.
Loop diuretics act in the loop of Henle and interfere with the reabsorption of sodium and water, resulting in the elimination of these substances. When excess water and sodium are eliminated, less water remains in the bloodstream. They relieve symptoms such as edema and breathlessness caused by the congestion of fluid.
HOW ARE LOOP DIURETICS USED?
Loop diuretics are used for treating:
- Edema often due to congestive heart failure or chronic kidney disease
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hyperkalemia (increased potassium level)
- Liver cirrhosis
WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF LOOP DIURETICS?
Loop diuretics may cause the following side effects:
- Injection site reaction
- Gout
- Low blood pressure
- Low potassium level
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Ringing in the ears
- Muscle cramps
- Light sensitivity
- Confusion
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the urine
- Anemia
- Glucose intolerance
- Vertigo
- Weakness
- Itching
- Rash
- Restlessness
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.
WHAT ARE NAMES OF LOOP DIURETICS?
Generic and brand names of loop diuretics include:
- Bumetanide
- Bumex
- Burinex
- Demadex (DSC)
- Edecrin
- Ethacrynic acid
- Furosemide
- Lasix
- Soaanz
- Torsemide
