Articles



Diuretics

Summary of the Most Common Diuretics
L. KATHLEEN HAGUE, RN, BSN
Pulmonary Hypertension Coordinator
University Hospitals of Cleveland; June 6, 1999

 

Brand Name
(BN)		 Generic Name
(GN) 		Dosing Monthly Cost
(approx.)
1. Lasix furosemide 20 mg BN=$9.94; GN=$4.81
    40 mg BN=$12.22; GN=$6.68
    80 mg BN=$18.26; GN=$7.42
Used most frequently, works by not allowing salt and chloride (which acts as a magnet for water) to be absorbed back into the blood by the kidneys. Most usual side effect is low potassium, low sodium, low magnesium, high calcium and low blood pressure due to dehydration (withdrawing too much water). Low blood pressure can lead to your kidneys shutting down. Other severe "toxic" side effects are usually due to severely high doses (180 mg or more/day) for long lengths of time.
2. Bumex bumetadine 1 mg BN=$21.71
    2 mg BN=$30.80
      GN not available
Same as Lasix, however, 20-40 times as powerful!
3. Demadexm torsemide 5 mg BN=$20.00
    10 mg BN=$21.37
    20 mg BN=$24.63
    100 mg BN=$241.20
      GN not available
Same as Lasix, however, 2-3 times as powerful.
4. Hydrodiuril hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg BN= $10.11; GN=$4.32
Same as Lasix, older drug, less expensive.
5. Maxzide triamterine,
hydrochlorothiazide 		37.5/25 mg BN=$18.89; GN= $14.06
    75/50 mg BN=$38.56; GN= $11.47
Used as a first line diuretic with early edema. The 75/50 is as powerful as 20 mg of Lasix, does not usually pull off potassium or drop blood pressure by much. It can cause Folic Acid (vitamin) deficiency, high potassium, kidney stones (in persons who have already had them) and increasing liver dysfunction in people who have a tendency toward that. It is a milder drug than the others.
6. Lozol indapamide 1.25 mg BN=$32.20; GN=$7.44
    2.5 mg BN=$38.98; GN=$ 18.07
Works differently than Lasix. Can be used if other diuretics not working or in combination. Reduces blood pressure more, without affecting the heart.
7. Edecrin ethocrinic acid 25 mg BN=$10.28
    50 mg BN=$14.64
      GN not available
Works differently than Lasix in a different area of the kidney. Does not affect the blood pressure as much and can be used when the kidneys aren't working as well. It is a useful drug if the patient has severe sulfa allergies. All of the first 5 diuretics have a form of sulfa in it. Usual side effects include severe depletion of electrolytes and dehydration. Can cause decrease in hearing and ringing in the ears.
8. Aldactone spironolactone 50 mg BN=$32.78
      GN not available
Works differently than Lasix. It is called a kind of Steroid inhibitor (aldosterone). It is not as powerful a diuretic as Lasix. Used frequently for ascites (water in the abdomen). Often used in combination with Lasix to "spare" potassium. Keep potassium in the blood stream (may actually cause the potassium become elevated). Side effects include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and increase breast size (men too).
9. Zarozolyn metolazone 2.5 mg BN=$18.67
    5.0 mg BN=$20.39
      GN not available
Works similar to Lasix, but at several areas of the kidney. It has the same side effects when used by itself, however, when used 1/2 hour prior to Lasix, it is a very potent drug, nearly a 4X increasing in urination! Similarly, there is a 4X increase in the side effects!
Pricing was from CCF pharmacy (CVS)