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Back to Loop diuretics

Name: Furosemide

Pregnancy Category C

Drug classes

• Loop (high-ceiling) diuretic

Therapeutic actions

Inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride from the proximal and distal renal tubules and the loop of Henle, leading to a sodium-rich diuresis.

Indications

• Edema associated with CHF, cirrhosis, renal disease (oral, IV)
• Acute pulmonary edema (IV)
• Hypertension (oral)

Contraindications/cautions

Contraindicated in the presence of allergy to furosemide, sulfonamides; allergy to tartrazine (in oral solution); electrolyte depletion; anuria,
severe renal failure; hepatic coma; pregnancy; lactation.

Use caution in the presence of SLE, gout, diabetes mellitus.

Adverse effects

• CNS: Dizziness, vertigo, paresthesias, xanthopsia, weakness, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, blurred vision, tinnitus, irreversible hearing loss
• GI: Nausea, anorexia, vomiting, oral and gastric irritation, constipation; diarrhea, acute pancreatitis, jaundice
• CV: Orthostatic hypotension, volume depletion, cardiac arrhythmias, thrombophlebitis
• Hematologic: Leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• GU: Polyuria, nocturia, glycosuria, urinary bladder spasm
• Dermatologic: Photosensitivity, rash, pruritus, urticaria, purpura, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme
• Other: Muscle cramps and muscle spasms

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