Loop diuretics do this by affecting a part of the kidney called the loop of Henle. Less sodium and chloride are drawn back into that part of the kidney than usual when a loop diuretic is used, and as a result, more fluid leaves the body in the form of urine.
Common loop diuretics include Lasix (furosemide), Bumex (bumetanide) and Demadex (torsemide).
Drug Interactions
Because of the potential for dangerous interactions, make sure your doctor knows about any other drugs or supplements you are taking, especially:
- Medication for other heart problems, such as high blood pressure or arrhythmia
- Aspirin
- Diabetes medications
- Corticosteroids (which may be used to treat a number of conditions)
- Indocin (indomethacin), used to treat arthritis
- Eskalith (lithium), used to treat bipolar disorder
- probenecid, used to treat gout
Side Effects
Loop diuretics have a number of common side effects, including:
- Low blood pressure -- This may cause dizziness or fainting spells.
- Depletion of potassium in the body -- You may need to take a potassium supplement or eat more potassium-rich foods, such as bananas and prunes.
- Increased urination -- Because this can last for hours, it's best to take your diuretic in the morning so as not to disturb your sleep with frequent bathroom trips.
Call your doctor if these less common side effects become severe or don't go away:
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Ringing in your ears
- Confusion
- Excessive thirst
Immediately contact your doctor if you vomit blood or experience rapid weight loss.
Sources:
Barnes, Connie L., Kellie L. Hager. "Loop Diuretics in Cardiac Therapy." uspharmacist.com. 2008. U.S. Pharmacist. 6 Nov. 2008 <http://www.uspharmacist.com/oldformat.asp?url=newlook/files/Feat/ACF2EDE.cfm&pub_id=...>.
"Bumetanide." MedlinePlus. 2008. National Institutes of Health. 6 Nov. 2008 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a684051.html>.
"Diuretics (Water Pills)." americanheart.org. 2008. American Heart Association. 6 Nov. 2008 <http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=118#diuretics>.
"Furosemide." MedlinePlus. 2008. National Institutes of Health. 6 Nov. 2008 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682858.html>.
"Torsemide Oral." MedlinePlus. 2008. National Institutes of Health. 6 Nov. 2008 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601212.html>.
