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Furosemide (Diuretic)
Furosemide inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, promoting urinary excretion of water and electrolytes.
Furosemide inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, promoting urinary excretion of water and electrolytes. Used for Edema associated with congestive heart failure, Edema associated with hepatic cirrhosis, Edema associated with renal disease.
At a glance
| Generic name | Furosemide (Diuretic) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Lasix |
| Sponsor | Jose J Zaragoza, MD MSc |
| Drug class | Loop diuretic |
| Target | Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that blocks the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, preventing reabsorption of sodium, potassium, and chloride. This increases osmotic pressure in the tubular lumen, reducing water reabsorption and leading to increased urine output. The drug is highly potent due to its site of action in the loop of Henle, which normally reabsorbs 25-30% of filtered sodium.
Approved indications
- Edema associated with congestive heart failure
- Edema associated with hepatic cirrhosis
- Edema associated with renal disease
- Hypertension
- Pulmonary edema
Common side effects
- Hypokalemia
- Hyperuricemia
- Ototoxicity (at high doses)
- Dehydration
- Hypotension
- Hyperglycemia
- Hyponatremia
Key clinical trials
- Forebrain Electroneutral Transporters in Salt-sensitive Hypertension: an MRI Study (PHASE4)
- POcus INTERvention for Tailoring Diuretic Strategy in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Empagliflozin in Acute Heart Failure (PHASE4)
- Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Diuretic Therapies in the Management of Acute Heart Failure (NA)
- Comparing Natriuretic Effects of ER Torsemide to IR Torsemide in Patients With Heart Failure (PHASE4)
- A Study Comparing the Clinical Benefit of Finerenone Versus a Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) of Extended-Release Torsemide and Spironolactone in Patients With Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of Early Initiation of Midodrine for Control and Prevention of Ascites and Its Related Complications in Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure. (NA)
- "Effect of Albumin Combined With Furosemide in Critically Ill Patients With Fluid Overload: Impact on Urine Output and Renal Function" (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |