Diuretics, Loop (Systemic)

Category

• Antihypercalcemic - Bumetanide; Ethacrynic Acid; Furosemide
• Antihypertensive - Bumetanide; Ethacrynic Acid; Furosemide
• Diagnostic aid adjunct, renal disease - Furosemide
• Diuretic - Bumetanide; Ethacrynic Acid; Furosemide

Description

Loop diuretics are given to help reduce the amount of water in the body. They work by acting on the kidneys to increase the flow of urine.

Furosemide is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in those patients who are not helped by other medicines or in those patients who have kidney problems.

High blood pressure adds to the work load of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Loop diuretics may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Bumetanide
  • Tablets (U.S.)
• Ethacrynic Acid
  • Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Furosemide
  • Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Parenteral
• Bumetanide
  • Injection (U.S.)
• Ethacrynic Acid
  • Injection (U.S. and Canada)
• Furosemide
  • Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S. -

• Bumex ¹
• Edecrin ²
• Lasix ³
• Myrosemide ³

In Canada -

• Apo-Furosemide ³
• Edecrin ²
• Furoside ³
• Lasix ³
• Lasix Special ³
• Novosemide ³
• Uritol ³