of oral torsemide is more rapid (1 hour) than that of furosemide (2–3 hours) and is nearly as complete as with intravenous administration. Bumetanide pharmacokinetics are similar to those of torsemide, but bumetanide is a much more potent loop diuretic. The duration of effect for furosemide is usually 2–3 hours. The effect of torsemide lasts 4–6 hours. Half-life depends on renal function. Since loop agents act on the luminal side of the tubule, their diuretic activity correlates with their secretion by the proximal tubule. Reduction in the secretion of loop diuretics may result from simultaneous administration of agents such as NSAIDs or probenecid, which compete for weak acid secretion in the proximal tubule. Metabolites of ethacrynic acid and furosemide have been identified, but it is not known whether they have any diuretic activity. Torsemide has at least one active metabolite with a half-life considerably longer than that of the parent compound. Because of the variable bioavailability of furosemide and the more consistent bioavailability of torsemide and bumetanide, the equivalent dosages of these agents are unpredictable, but estimates are presented in Table 15–5.
Loop diuretics inhibit NKCC2, the luminal Na+/K+/2Cl− transporter in the TAL of Henle’s loop. By inhibiting this transporter,
TABLE 15–5 Relative potency of loop diuretics.
Bumetanide 0.5 mg Ethacrynic acid ∼50 mg 1Doses are approximate as bioavailability of furosemide is variable.
the loop diuretics reduce the reabsorption of NaCl and also diminish the lumen-positive potential that comes from K+ recycling (Figure 15–3). This positive potential normally drives divalent cation reabsorption in the TAL (Figure 15–3), and by reducing this potential, loop diuretics cause an increase in Mg2+ and Ca2+ excretion. Prolonged use can cause significant hypomagnesemia in some patients. Since vitamin D–induced intestinal absorption and parathyroid hormone–induced renal reabsorption of Ca2+ can be increased, loop diuretics do not generally cause hypocalcemia. However, in disorders that cause hypercalcemia, Ca2+ excretion can be enhanced by treatment with loop diuretics combined with saline infusion.
Loop diuretics have also been shown to induce expression of the cyclooxygenase COX-2, which participates in the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. At least one of these prostaglandins, PGE2, inhibits salt transport in the TAL and thus participates in the renal actions of loop diuretics. NSAIDs (eg, indomethacin), which blunt cyclooxygenase activity, can interfere with the actions of loop diuretics by reducing prostaglandin synthesis in the kidney. This interference is minimal in otherwise normal subjects but may be significant in patients with nephrotic syndrome or hepatic cirrhosis.
Loop agents have direct effects on blood flow through several vascular beds. Furosemide increases renal blood flow via prostaglandin actions on kidney vasculature. Both furosemide and ethacrynic acid have also been shown to reduce pulmonary congestion and left ventricular filling pressures in heart failure before a measurable increase in urinary output occurs. These effects on peripheral vascular tone are also due to release of renal prostaglandins that are induced by the diuretics.