Question
Classify diuretic agents. Describe the mechanism of action, uses and adverse effects of
furosemide. (2+2+1+1=6)
Q26 marksEssays
Answer
Classification of diuretics
- High-efficacy (loop) diuretics: Furosemide, Bumetanide, Torsemide
- Medium-efficacy (thiazide/thiazide-like): Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone, Metolazone
- Weak/adjunctive:
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors — Acetazolamide
- Potassium-sparing — Spironolactone, Amiloride, Triamterene
- Osmotic diuretics — Mannitol
Mechanism of action of furosemide
- Acts on the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle
- Inhibits the Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl⁻ (NKCC2) cotransporter on the luminal membrane
- Abolishes the medullary concentration gradient, causing marked natriuresis, kaliuresis, and loss of the ability to concentrate/dilute urine
- Also increases renal blood flow and has some venodilator action (useful in acute pulmonary oedema)
Uses
- Acute pulmonary oedema / left ventricular failure
- Chronic congestive cardiac failure
- Oedema of hepatic and renal origin (nephrotic syndrome)
- Acute renal failure (to maintain urine flow)
- Hypertension (especially with renal impairment)
- Hypercalcaemia, forced diuresis in poisoning
Adverse effects
- Hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia, hypomagnesaemia
- Hypotension, dehydration
- Ototoxicity (especially with rapid IV injection or with aminoglycosides)
- Hyperuricaemia (may precipitate gout)
- Hyperglycaemia
- Metabolic alkalosis
- 1Renal Pharmacology
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