Loop Diuretics

Loop diuretics block reabsorption of sodium and water in the nephron loop of Henle.

They also increase secretion of potassium into urine so a person can become hypokalemic. (just like the thiazide diuretics!)

Toxicity:  Ototoxicity (hearing damage), nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)

Other metabolic effects

• Increases blood uric acid, sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride.
• Decrease blood calcium levels.
• Decreases blood potassium and magnesium levels

Hint: It’s almost exactly like the thiazide diuretics except calcium is the opposite. Thiazide’s increase the blood calcium levels while the loop’s decrease it. Loop diuretics are actually the treatment for hypercalcemia.

Use

• Hypertension
• Management of Edema
• Hypercalcemia

High Ceiling Loop Diuretic Drug List

• Ethacrynic Acid (Edecrin) – inj., p.o.
• Furosemide (Lasix) – inj., p.o.
• Bumetanide (Bumex) – inj., p.o.
• Torsemide (Demadex) – p.o.