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Loop diuretics usually have a ceiling effect whereby doses greater than a certain maximum amount will not increase the clinical effect of the drug. Also, there is a threshold minimum concentration of loop diuretics that needs to be achieved at the thick ascending limb to enable the onset of abrupt diuresis. [10]
Potentially serious side effects include electrolyte abnormalities, low blood pressure, and hearing loss. [4] It is recommended that serum electrolytes (especially potassium), serum CO 2, creatinine, BUN levels, and liver and kidney functioning be monitored in patients taking furosemide.
Thiazide diuretics (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, chlorthiazide) – may be useful for mild CHF, but typically used in severe CHF in combination with loop diuretics, resulting in a synergistic effect. Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. amiloride) – used first-line use to correct hypokalaemia.
Emergency lowering of potassium levels is needed when new arrhythmias occur at any level of potassium in the blood, or when potassium levels exceed 6.5 mmol/L. Several agents are used to temporarily lower K + levels. The choice depends on the degree and cause of the hyperkalemia, and other aspects of the person's condition.
Metolazone and a loop diuretic will synergistically enhance diuresis over the use of either agent alone. Using this combination, diuretic effects will occur at two different segments of the nephron; namely, the loop diuretic will act at the loop of Henle, and metolazone will act at the distal convoluted tubule. Metolazone is frequently ...
For potassium-sparing diuretics, its common side effects include hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis and sexual dysfunction specifically for spironolactone. [4] [5] The use of diuretics should be avoided in patients with severe dehydration, anuria (absence of urine production). [4]
The potassium-sparing effects of amiloride offset the low blood potassium (hypokalemia) that is often induced by thiazides or loop diuretics, which is of particular importance in people for whom maintaining a normal level of potassium is critically important. [6]
Electrolyte imbalance, or water-electrolyte imbalance, is an abnormality in the concentration of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. They help to regulate heart and neurological function, fluid balance, oxygen delivery, acid–base balance and much more.