Loop diuretics Flashcards
Which conditions are loop diuretics prescribed for
Used in pulmonary oedema due to LV failure and for management of oedema in patients with chronic HF
MoA
Loop diuretics inhibit reabsorption from the ascending limb of the loop of Henlé in the renal tubule and are powerful diuretics
Discuss the use of loop diuretics in pulmonary oedema due to LV failure
- IV administration will produce relief of breathlessness
- It reduces pre-load sooner than would be expected from the time of onset of diuresis (increased/excessive urine production)
- Decreases preload helps reduce the amount of blood the heart has to pump
What is diuretic resistant oedema
Failure to achieve the therapeutically desired reduction in oedema even when a maximal dose of diuretic is employed
How to treat diuretic resistant oedema (except lymphoedema and oedema due to peripheral venous stasis or CCB)
Loop diuretic + thiazide or related diuretic (e.g. bendroflumethiazide or metolazone)
Examples of loop diuretics
Furosemide
Torasemide
Bumetanide
Using a loop diuretic in antihypertensive patients
Loop diuretic can be added to antihypertensive treatment to achieve better control of BP in pt with resistant hypertension or impaired renal function or HF
Which conditions may loop diuretics exacerbate
Diabetes
Gout
What is the advantage of using loop diuretics in pt with diabetes over thiazides?
Although loop diuretics can exacerbate diabetes, hyperglycaemia is less likely than with thiazides
Using loop diuretics in pt with enlarges prostate
Urinary retention may occur, but is less likely if small doses and less potent diuretics are used initially
Manufacturer advises adequate urinary output should be established before initiating treatment
Activity of furosemide and bumetanide
- Similar activity
- Diuresis is dose related
- Act within 1h or oral administration
- Diuresis complete within 6 hours - if necessary, can be given BD without interfering sleep
- Following IV administration, furosemide has peak effect within 30 mins
Activity of torasemide
- Similar properties to furosemide and bumetanide
- Indicated for oedema and hypertension
Pt parameters to check before starting loop diuretic
Renal function, serum electrolytes, BP
Monitoring requirements after starting treatment
- Recheck renal function, serum electrolytes and BP 1-2 weeks after starting treatment
- Earlier monitoring (after 5-7 days) may be required in people with:
- existing CKD stage 3 or higher
- 60 or over
- relevant comorbidities e.g. DM, peripheral arterial disease
- taking diuretic + ACEi/ARB/MRA
Recommended starting dose of bumetanide for people with HF
0.5mg in the elderly to 1mg
Recommended starting dose of furosemide in pt with HF
20-40mg
Recommended starting dose of torasemide in pt with HF
5-10mg