What it means
The most powerful group of diureticdy-yoo-RET-ikA drug that makes the kidneys pass more water and salt out of the body as urine.dia- throughur/o urine-etic relating toFull entry . They block salt reabsorption in a part of the kidney tubule called the loop of Henle, so much more sodium and water leave in the urine. Members include furosemidefyoo-ROH-suh-mideA loop diuretic: a drug that makes the kidneys remove more salt and water from the body.Full entry , bumetanide and torsemide. They are used for edema from heart failure, kidney or liver disease, pulmonary edema and sometimes high blood pressure. They also wash out potassium, sodium and magnesium.
For the nurse
Check blood pressure and potassium before giving, weigh the client daily and track intake and output. Give doses in the morning, change positions slowly to avoid dizziness, and push IV doses slowly, since fast high doses can harm hearing.
At a glance
| Drug class | loop diuretic |
|---|---|
| Spanish | diurético de asa |
| Also written | loop diuretics |
Related terms
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
furosemide
A loop diuretic: a drug that makes the kidneys remove more salt and water from the body.
diuretic
A drug that makes the kidneys pass more water and salt out of the body as urine.
fluid overload
Too much fluid in the body, in the blood vessels and the tissues.