Loop Diuretics: Clinical Application Information for Nephrology Nurses and Practitioners

Nephrol Nurs J. 2020 Nov-Dec;47(6):553-572.

Abstract

Loop diuretic medications work by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the renal tubules. The net effect is increasing in urinary sodium and water excretion. Loop diuretics are routinely used for many clinical indications, and nephrology practitioners are well informed in the management of their use in daily practice. This article highlights key information on the most commonly used loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide and torsemide) and provides important clinical features related to pharmacokinetics properties, dosing consideration, route of administration, side effects, and other considerations for practitioners.

Keywords: bumetanide; ethacrynic acid; furosemide; loop diuretics; torsemide.

MeSH terms

  • Diuretics / adverse effects
  • Diuretics / metabolism*
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Kidney Function Tests
  • Kidney Tubules / metabolism*
  • Nephrology*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Diuretics
  • Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors