Loop diuretics are a class of medications primarily used to treat conditions like hypertension, heart failure-related edema, and severe hypercalcemia. They work by inhibiting the chloride pump in the ascending loop of Henle, effectively reducing sodium and chloride reabsorption, leading to increased urine output.
* do not use in pts' with severe renal failure
* monitor serum electrolytes, glucose, and uric acid with use
and hematology, liver function tests
* obtain W daily, monitor UO
* use cautiously in pts' with gout
Therapeutic Effects:
* reduces BP through vasodilation
* reduces edema/pulmonary congestion
* decreased workload on heart
Blocks chloride pump in ascending loop of Henle, decreasing reabsorption of Na+ and 2Cl-, causing their excretion in the urine. Reduces blood volume and cardiac workload by increasing urine output.