Module 04: Diuretics (Part 02) Flashcards
What are the three (3) types of diuretics?
(A) Loop Diuretics
(B) Thiazide
(C) Potassium-sparing
This inhibit the sodium-potassium-chloride co-transporter (NKCC2) in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, preventing sodium reabsorption and causing significant diuresis.
Loop Diuretics
Where do loop diuretics act in the kidney?
They act on the thick ascending limb (TAL) of the loop of Henle.
Why are loop diuretics considered the most effective diuretics?
Because the thick ascending limb has a high capacity for sodium reabsorption (~25%), so inhibiting this site leads to significant increase in the distal tubular concentration of sodium, reduced hypertonicity of the surrounding interstitium, and less water reabsorption in the collecting duct.
What is a non-sulfonamide loop diuretic?
Al loop diuretics are sulfonamides except ethacrynic acid (monosulfonamyl loop or high ceiling diuretic)
This is a non-sulfonamide loop diuretic, often used as an alternative for patients allergic to sulfonamide-based diuretics like furosemide, bumetanide, or torsemide.
Ethacrynic acid
In what conditions are loop diuretics commonly used?
They are primarily used to treat edema (due to heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or renal disease) and sometimes hypertension.
How do loop diuretics treat edema and hypertension?
By inhibiting sodium reabsorption through the NKCC2 co-transporter (Nat, -K+, -Cl co-transporter; 1:1:2 ratio) in the Thick Ascending Limb (TAL) of the Loop of Henle, leading to significant diuresis.
Loop diuretics are the most effective diuretic class because:
Their site of action has a high capacity for sodium reabsorption.
How does renal function affect the efficacy of loop diuretics?
The efficacy of loop diuretics is inversely related to renal function— they are less effective in patients with impaired kidney function, such as those with heart failure.
This includes peripheral, generalized edema, ascites, and pulmonary edema, often due to renal disease, hepatic disease (cirrhosis), or heart failure (used for symptom relief but no mortality benefit).
Edema
Edema includes what:
(A) Peripheral and generalized edema
(B) Ascites
(C) Pulmonary edema
Pulmonary edema usually results from what?
From renal disease (including nephrotic syndrome), hepatic disease/cirrhosis and heart failure (used for symptomatic management but no mortality benefit)
This especially in heart failure with fluid overload, usually in combination with other agents (not a first-line therapy).
Hypertension
Explain the relationship between hypertension and loop diuretics.
Not first line agent, typically used in combination with other agents.
When are loop diuretics contraindicated?
(A) Renal insufficiency with increased creatinine or anuria.
(B) Allergy to sulfa drugs (except for ethacrynic acid).
(C) Severe electrolyte imbalance or depletion.
(D) Hepatic coma.
What are the available oral tablet doses for furosemide?
20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg.
What is the dose for furosemide injectable solutions?
10 mg/mL.
What are the available doses for furosemide oral solutions?
8 mg/mL or 10 mg/mL.
What are the available oral tablet doses for torsemide?
5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 100 mg.
What is the dose for torsemide injectable solutions?
10 mg/mL.
What are the available oral tablet doses for bumetanide?
0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg.
What is the dose for bumetanide IV solution?
0.25 mg/mL.
What is the dose for ethacrynic acid oral tablets?
25 mg.
What is the dose for ethacrynic acid powder for injection?
50mg
How does the absorption of loop diuretics vary among agents?
Absorption varies, with an onset of action typically between 30 to 60 minutes.
How does the route of administration affect the absorption of loop diuretics?
Oral administration has a slower onset, while intravenous administration has a faster onset.
Which loop diuretics have higher bioavailability, and what are the percentages?
(A) Bumetanide and torsemide: 80%
(B) Furosemide: 50%
Which loop diuretic has the longest duration of action and is effective in patients with hepatic dysfunction or heart failure?
Torsemide
How are loop diuretics distributed in the body?
They are highly protein-bound, meaning they undergo no renal filtration.
How are bumetanide and torsemide metabolized?
They are mostly inactivated in the liver by cytochrome P450 (CYP450).
How is furosemide metabolized?
Furosemide undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism.
How are loop diuretics primarily excreted?
They are mostly excreted renally (proximal tubule) as unchanged drugs.
What is the half-life of furosemide?
1.5 to 2 hours.
What is the half-life of bumetanide?
1 hour.
What is the half-life of torsemide?
3 to 4 hours.
What is the primary mechanism of action (MOA) of loop diuretics?
They block the NKCC2 cotransporter, leading to the excretion of Na+, K+, and Cl-.
How do loop diuretics affect urine production?
They increase diuresis, which leads to increased urine output.
What is the effect of loop diuretics on blood volume and cardiac preload?
They decrease blood volume, which reduces cardiac preload.
How do loop diuretics improve edema?
They promote fluid removal from the body, which reduces edema.
What is the effect of loop diuretics on the kidney’s ability to dilute or concentrate urine?
They inhibit the kidney’s ability to dilute or concentrate urine.
Which electrolytes are increased in excretion due to loop diuretics?
Calcium (Ca2+) and Magnesium (Mg2+).
What are the significant risks associated with the use of loop diuretics?
Risk of hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and nephrolithiasis.
What are the significant adverse effects and toxicity of loop diuretics?
(A) nephrotoxicity
(B) ototoxicity
(C) Fluid and electrolyte loss leading to:
(1) cardiac dysrhythmia (2) orthostatic hypotension
(3) dehydration
(4) dizziness, vertigo, syncope * headaches
(5) GI symptoms (abdominal cramps, nausea, constipation, diarrhea)
(6) muscle cramps
(7) metabolic alkalosis, prerenal azotemia
(D) skin photosensitivity
What is an important daily task for monitoring patients on loop diuretics?
(1) Monitor daily weight and intake/output (I/O).
(2) Perform serial blood pressure checks.
What should be monitored for when administering loop diuretics regarding electrolytes and fluid balance?
Monitor for electrolyte, fluid, and acid-base abnormalities.
Name medications that, when administered with loop diuretics, increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Corticosteroids, antipsychotic drugs, and Amphotericin B.
Which medications increase the risk of nephron- and/or ototoxicity when given with loop diuretics?
Aminoglycosides and Probenecid.
Why should loop diuretics be used cautiously in patients with hyperuricemia or gout?
Loop diuretics may precipitate or aggravate gout.
What autoimmune disease requires caution when prescribing loop diuretics?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
What conditions related to kidney or liver function require special precautions when using loop diuretics?
Renal insufficiency and kidney or liver disease.
How can loop diuretics affect patients with QT prolongation?
Diuretic-induced hypokalemia may worsen QT prolongation.
What interaction between digoxin and loop diuretics increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias?
The digoxin-diuretic interaction can increase electrolyte imbalances, leading to cardiac arrhythmias.
How does hypokalemia caused by loop diuretics affect digoxin therapy?
Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
What risk should be monitored in diabetic patients taking loop diuretics?
They are at risk of hyperglycemia, requiring periodic monitoring of blood glucose levels.
What should be considered when prescribing loop diuretics during pregnancy and lactation?
Loop diuretics are Pregnancy Category C, so use with caution.