Table Of Contents:
Generic names (Common brand names)
Description
Uses
Proper use
Cautions
Side effects
Special considerations
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Generic names (Common brand names):
bumetanide - oral (Bumex-oral, Budema, Bumedyl, Burinex, Busix, Butinat,
Cambiex, Farmadiuril, Fontego, Fordiuran, Lunetoron, Miccil, Pendock,
Poliurene, Segurex)
ethacrynic acid - oral (Edecrin, Edecril, Hydromedin, Reomax)
furosemide - oral (Myrosemide, Lasix-oral, Aldic, Aluzine, Aquamide,
Aquasin, Arasemide, Bioretic, Cetasix, Detue, Dirine, Discoid, Disemide,
Diural, Diuresal, Diurolasa, Diusil, Dranex, Dryptal, Durafurid, Edenol,
Errolon, Eutensin, Fluidrol, Franyl, Frumex, Frusedan, Frusema, Frusemid,
Frusetic, Frusid, Frusix, Furantril, Furetic, Furex, Furmide, Furocot,
Furodiurol, Furomide M.D., Furorese, Furoside, Furosix, Furovite, Fusid,
Golan, Hissuflux, Kofuzon, Kutrix, Lasemid, Lasiletten, Lasilix, Lasix,
Laxur, Liside, Lo-Aqua, Luramide, Marsemide, Nadis, Nelsix, Nildema,
Novosemide, Odemase, Oedemex, Promedes, Radisemide, Radonna, Rasitol,
Retep, Ro-Semide, Rose-40, Salinex, Salurid, Seguril, Sigasalur, Trofurit,
Uremide, Urenil, Uresix, Urian, Uritol, Yidoli, Furosan, Furoter)
torsemide - oral (Dermadex tablets)
* This list may not include all brand names.
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Description:
Loop diuretics help to reduce the amount of water in the body by increasing
the amount that is excreted through the kidneys.

Other diuretics include:

   * potassium-sparing diuretics - oral
   * potassium-sparing diuretics and hydrochlorothiazide - oral
   * thiazide diuretics - oral

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Uses:
Loop diuretics are used to treat high blood pressure and edema associated
with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.
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Proper use:
Take the medication as directed. Because of a potential loss of potassium,
the health care provider may also prescribe a potassium supplement. If
taking a single dose, take it in the morning. If taking more than 1 dose a
day, try to take the last dose about 6 p.m. (to avoid excessive urination
at night).

Use an accurate device, like a medicine spoon or oral syringe, to measure
the liquid furosemide.

Missed dose:
Take it when you remember, unless your next dose is due soon. Do not double
your next dose.
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Cautions:
INFORM YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

   * about any past reactions to
        o bendroflumethiazide (Naturetin)
        o benzthiazide (Hydrex)
        o bumetanide (Bumex)
        o chlorothiazide (Diuril)
        o chlorthalidone( Hygroton)
        o cyclothiazide (Anhydron)
        o ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
        o furosemide (Lasix, Myrosemide)
        o hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, Oretic)
        o hydroflumethiazide (Diucardin)
        o methyclothiazide (Aquatensen, Enduron)
        o metolazone (Diulo, Zaroxolyn)
        o polythiazide (Renese)
        o quinethazone (Hydromox)
        o sulfacytine (Renoquid)
        o sulfadiazine (Microsulfon)
        o sulfamethizole (Thiosulfil Forte)
        o sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol)
        o sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin)
        o trichlormethiazide (Metahydrin)
   * if any of the following medical conditions are present
        o liver or kidney disease
        o heart attack - recent
        o hearing problems
        o gout
        o lupus erythematosus
        o pancreatitis
        o diarrhea
        o diabetes mellitus

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Side effects:
SERIOUS
Notify your health care provider as soon as possible if any of these
symptoms occur:

   * body as a whole
        o blood in urine
        o fever
        o chills
        o joint pain
        o lower back pain
        o side pain
        o difficulty urinating
        o dry mouth (because of a loss of too much potassium)
        o increased thirst
        o weakness
   * respiratory
        o cough
        o hoarseness
   * eyes, ears, nose, and throat
        o ringing in the ears
        o loss of hearing
   * skin
        o small red spots
        o rash
        o hives
   * gastrointestinal
        o black, tarry stool
        o blood in stool
        o stomach pain (severe) - with vomiting or nausea
        o nausea or vomiting
   * heart and blood vessels
        o weak pulse
   * nervous system
        o fatigue - common when first taking medication, but normally
          diminishes

MINOR
These symptoms need no attention unless they become annoying:

   * body as a whole
        o chest pain
   * eyes, ears, nose, and throat
        o blurred vision
   * skin
        o increased sun sensitivity
   * gastrointestinal
        o diarrhea
        o loss of appetite
        o stomach cramps
   * nervous system
        o dizziness
        o lightness
        o confusion
        o headache
        o nervousness

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Special considerations:
ALCOHOL

   * Drinking too much alcohol on a daily basis can make medication for
     high blood pressure less effective. If you are taking this medication
     for high blood pressure, do not drink more than:
        o 2 ounces of 100 proof alcohol each day or
        o 8 ounces of wine each day or
        o 24 ounces of beer each day.

BREAST FEEDING

   * Furosemide does pass into breast milk. It is not known if the other
     loop diuretics do. Loop diuretics may decrease the flow of breast
     milk. Some manufacturers recommend that women not use them while
     breast feeding. Ask your health care provider for advice before use if
     you are breast feeding.

DIABETES MELLITUS

   * Loop diuretics can increase your blood glucose. If you have diabetes,
     you may need a higher dose of insulin or oral diabetes medication. Get
     advice from your health care provider.

DISCONTINUING MEDICATION

   * Do not stop taking this medication without the advice of your health
     care provider.
   * Medications control, but do not cure, high blood pressure. If you are
     taking this medication for high blood pressure, you may need to take
     it indefinitely.

ELDERLY

   * The elderly may be more sensitive to side effects of loop diuretics
     including, feeling lightheaded or dizzy. To avoid dizziness, stand up
     slowly when you have been sitting or lying down.
   * When very high doses of loop diuretics cause dehydration in the
     elderly, there is a risk of developing a blood clot.

FOODS

   * Your health care provider may ask you use a salt substitute or eat
     high potassium foods.

GOUT

   * Rarely, loop diuretics can trigger a gout attack in people who already
     have gout or who may be at high risk for developing gout.

INFANTS AND CHILDREN

   * Furosemide is used in infants and children. It comes as an oral
     solution, in 2 different strengths.

PREGNANCY

   * Loop diuretics have not been studied fully in pregnant women. Weigh
     the risks and benefits of use with your health care provider.

SEXUAL FUNCTIONS

   * Men may experience premature ejaculation, impotence, or may have
     difficulty maintaining an erection.

SUN EXPOSURE

   * This medication can make your skin more likely to sunburn. Avoid too
     much sun. Do not use tanning booths. Protect yourself from the sun
     with clothing, hats, and sunscreen (including your lips).

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