Diuretics

Question 1

What is the function of diuretics?

Answer 1

Diuretics increase urine production by causing kidneys to excrete sodium, by osmosis water follows into urine to lower bp

Question 2

List the three classes of diuretics

Answer 2

• Thiazide diuretics
• Loop diuretics
• Potassium-sparing diuretics

Question 3

Background information of Thiazide Diuretics

Answer 3

Sodium, found in salt, is associated with water retention and, consequently, hypertension

Question 4

Pharmacology of Thiazide Diuretics

Answer 4

Thiazide diuretics increase the transfer of salt and water from the blood to urine to reduce bp

Question 5

Indications of Thiazide Diuretics

Answer 5

• Hypertension
  -Edema (swelling of too much fluid trapped in tissues)

Question 6

Side effects of Thiazide Diuretics

Answer 6

• Hypotension (low bp)
• Hypokalemia (low potassium)
• Hyperuricemia (excretion of too much urine)
• Muscle cramps (caused by low potassium)
• Cardiac Arrhythmias ( caused by low potassium)
• Photosensitivity
• SJS (skin disorder)

Question 7

Drug Interactions of Thiazide Diuretics

Answer 7

• Potential for hypotension when taken with ACE inhibitors and ARBs
• Potential for hypokalemia when taken with loop diuretics

Question 8

Important note for patients who have a sulfa allergy regarding thiazide diuretics

Answer 8

Thiazides share a similar chemical structure with sulfonamide antibiotics. Patients with a sulfa allergy may be allergic to thiazides

Question 9

What can a patient take if their potassium depletes from taking thiazide and looping diuretics

Answer 9

• Banana or orange juice
• Potassium supplements
• Combination drug

Question 10

Why do manufacturers produce several thiazide-ARB and thiazide-ACE inhibitors combinations?

Answer 10

• Most patients require more than one hypertension drug to achieve their bp goal
• ARBs and ACE-inhibitors can oppose the potassium depleting effects of thiazide diuretics

Question 11

Background information of Loop Diuretics

Answer 11

Sodium, found in salt, is associated with water retention and, consequently, hypertension

Question 12

Pharmacology of Loop Diuretics

Answer 12

Thiazide diuretics increase the transfer of salt and water from the blood to urine to reduce bp

Question 13

Indications of Loop Diuretics

Answer 13

• Hypertension
• Edema (swelling of too much fluid trapped in tissues)

Question 14

Drug interactions of Loop Diuretics

Answer 14

• Potential for hypotension when taken with ACE inhibitors and ARBs
• Potential for hypokalemia when taken with loop diuretics

Question 15

Important note for Loop Diuretics

Answer 15

Loop diuretics are the most effective type of diuretic available. They have the potential to cause severe hypokalemia.

Question 16

Background information of Potassium-sparing Diuretics

Answer 16

Hypokalemia is a common side effect of diuretics

Question 17

Pharmacology of Potassium-sparring diuretics

Answer 17

Increases the amount of salt and water that leaves the body via urine without causing low potassium

Question 18

Indications of Potassium-sparing Diuretics

Answer 18

• Hypertension
• Heart failure

Question 19

Side effects of Potassium-sparring Diuretics

Answer 19

• Hyperkalemia
• Hypotension

Question 20

Drug interactions of Potassium-sparring Diuretics

Answer 20

Potassium-sparring diuretics prevent potassium loss which can lead to hyperkalemia

Question 21

Important note regarding potassium-sparing diuretics

Answer 21

Potassium-sparing diuretics have a mechanism that is not as effective as other diuretics. Their use does not reduce blood potassium loss, so patients may need to take additional medication to reach their blood pressure goal.