Diuretics and Thiazides

Question 1

Diuretics

Answer 1

• play a vital role in lowering BP
• promote the formation and excretion of urine which results in the loss of excess salt and water
• med to focus on is furosemide (lasix) which is a high ceiling (loop) diuretic

Question 2

Thiazides

Answer 2

• mild diuretics
• Hydrochlorthyazide is the main drug an main ingredient in many mild diuretics
• not effective when urine flow is scant like loop diuretics

Question 3

Potassium Sparing Agents

Answer 3

• useful in counteracting the potassium loss induced by diuretics
• main drug is spironolactone

Question 4

Furosemide (Lasix)

Answer 4

• high ceiling loop diuretic (acts on the ascending loop of henle to block reabsorption)
• has a rapid onset
• therapeutic uses include pulmonary edema, edematous states, and hypertension
• adverse effects include hyponatremia, hypochloremia, dehydration, hypotension, hypokalemia, ototoxicity
• use during pregnancy is not recommended
• interacts with digoxin, ototoxic drugs, potassium sparing diuretics, lithium, antihypertensives, and NSAIDs
• can be given orally or parenteral

Question 5

Hydrochlorothiazide

Answer 5

• most widely used thiazide
• peaks in 4 to 6 hours
• used to treat hypertension, edema, and diabetes insipidus
• adverse effects include the same as loop diuretics
• drug interactions include digoxin, hypertensive meds, lithium, NSAIDS, and ototoxic agents (positive)

Question 6

Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Answer 6

• blocks aldosterone in the distal nephron, causes the retention of potassium, and the increased excretion of sodium
• therapeutic uses include hypertension, edema, heart failure, hyperaldosteronism, premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and acne in young women
• adverse effects include hyperkalemia, benign and malignant tumors, endocrine effects
• drug interactions include thiazide and loop diuretics and agents that raise potassium levels