How Do Loop Diuretics Work?

Loop diuretics are medications used to treat fluid overload conditions such asheart failure, nephroticsyndromeorcirrhosis, andhypertension,inaddition to水肿. Loop diuretics work to lower the fluid buildup in the body by reducingsodium再吸收in the loop of Henle, thereby causing the elimination ofwaterand sodium from the body.

The loop of Henle is a long U-shaped structure of thekidney, responsible for recovering sodium and water from theurine. Excess fluid and sodium retention can lead to increasedblood pressure.

Loop diuretics act in the loop of Henle and interfere with the reabsorption of sodium and water, resulting in the elimination of these substances. When excess water and sodium are eliminated, less water remains in the bloodstream. They relieve symptoms such as edema and breathlessness caused by thecongestionof fluid.

Loop diuretics are used for treating:

• Edema often due tocongestive heart failureorchronickidneydisease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Hyperkalemia(increasedpotassiumlevel)
• Livercirrhosis

Loop diuretics may cause the following side effects:

• Injection site reaction
• Gout
• Low blood pressure
• Low potassium level
• Electrolyteabnormalities
• Ringing in the ears
• Musclecramps
• Lightsensitivity
• Confusion
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Diarrhea
• Blood in the urine
• Anemia
• Glucoseintolerance
• Vertigo
• Weakness
• Itching
• Rash
• Restlessness

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with yourdoctororpharmacistto make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking yourmedicationand never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Genericand brand names of loop diuretics include:

• Bumetanide
• Bumex
• Burinex
• Demadex(DSC)
• Edecrin
• Ethacrynic acid
• Furosemide
• Lasix
• Soaanz
• Torsemide