Loop diuretics: What They Do, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ଓଡ଼ିଆ
Loop diuretics are prescription 'water tablets' that remove extra salt and water from the body through the urine. They are used for swelling caused by heart failure, kidney disease or liver disease, and sometimes for high blood pressure. The best known example is furosemide. Dehydration and low blood salts need watching.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Loop diuretics work?
Loop diuretics act on the loop of Henle in the kidney and stop salt being taken back into the body. Water follows the salt and leaves in the urine, so extra fluid in the body falls.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Loop diuretics. They are listed A to Z.
- Furosemide: Furosemide is a prescription 'water tablet' that removes extra fluid from the body.
Common questions
Are loop diuretics the same as other water tablets?
All water tablets make you pass more urine, but they act on different parts of the kidney. Loop diuretics such as furosemide act strongly and can lower potassium, while spironolactone keeps potassium in. Your doctor chooses and sometimes combines them.
Why do loop diuretics need blood tests?
They can change the levels of salts such as potassium and sodium and affect the kidneys. Doctors check blood tests from time to time, especially with long-term use. Follow your doctor's advice.
Sources
- ATC/DDD Index: C03C High-ceiling diuretics. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- Furosemide: a medicine to remove excess fluid. NHS (UK)