Loop diuretics
Furosemide and bumetanide are loop diuretics that act by inhibiting the Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC) in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, reducing the absorption of NaCl. There are two variants of NKCC; loop diuretics act on NKCC2, which is more prevalent in the kidneys.
Indications
Adverse effects
Indications
- heart failure: both acute (usually intravenously) and chronic (usually orally)
- resistant hypertension, particularly in patients with renal impairment
Adverse effects
- hypotension
- hyponatraemia
- hypokalaemia
- hypochloraemic alkalosis
- ototoxicity
- hypocalcaemia
- renal impairment (from dehydration + direct toxic effect)
- hyperglycaemia (less common than with thiazides)
- gout