RENAL SYSTEM
DIURETIC AGENTS COMMON USES WHAT I NEED TO KNOW AS A BRAND NEW
NURSE
Loop Diuretics
Common Examples:
Furosemide (Lasix), Bumetanide
(Bumex), Torsemide (Demadex)
Potent diuretics indicated for
the treatment of edema
associated with heart failure,
renal and or hepatic disease.
Also used for the treatment of
hypercalcemia (increase the
renal excretion of calcium) and
hypertension.
* Monitor K+ and digoxin levels.
* May be given with low renal perfusion.
* Adverse effects include: dehydration, hypotension,
hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, transient deafness.
Osmotic Diuretics
Common Examples:
Mannitol (Osmitrol)
Rapidly working diuretics used
for the treatment of early stage
Acute Renal Failure (ARF),
reduction of intracranial
pressure and increased intr-
ocular pressure as seen with
Glaucoma.
* Multiple adverse effects, the most commonly seen serious
adverse effects include: fluid and electrolyte imbalance, HA,
marked diuresis and dehydration.
* Observe for rebound increased intra-cranial or intra-ocular
pressure.
* May crystallize when exposed to low temperatures and should
therefore, always be administered through a filter.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Common Examples:
Spironolactone (Aldactone),
Triamterene (Dyrenium)
Indicated for the treatment of
hypertension,
hyperaldosteronism, and to
reverse the potassium loss
associated with diuretic induced
hypokalemia
* Patients should avoid sodium substitutes, K+ supplements and
foods high in K+
* Adverse effects include: Hyperkalemia, GI complaints,
dizziness and HA
Thiazide Diuretics
Common Examples:
Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril,
HCTZ)
Indicated for the treatment of
hypertension, diabetes insipidus
and edema associated with
steroid therapy, estrogen
therapy, heart disease or liver
disease.
* Should only be given with adequate renal perfusion.
* Adverse effects include: Hypokalemia, Hypercalcemia,
Hyperglycemia, Hyperuricemia, HA and dehydration.
* HCTZ is contraindicated with known sensitivity to
Sulfonamides or Thiazides
