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| MEDICAL: 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 |
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|
40 mg |
BN=$12.22;
GN=$6.68 |
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|
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.
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| 2. Bumex
|
bumetadine
|
1 mg |
BN=$21.71 |
| |
|
2 mg |
BN=$30.80 |
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|
|
GN not
available |
Same
as Lasix, however, 20-40 times as powerful!
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| 3. Demadexm |
torsemide
|
5 mg |
BN=$20.00 |
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|
10 mg |
BN=$21.37 |
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|
20 mg |
BN=$24.63 |
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|
100 mg
|
BN=$241.20 |
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|
|
GN not
available |
Same
as Lasix, however, 2-3 times as powerful.
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| 4. Hydrodiuril
|
hydrochlorothiazide
|
25 mg |
BN= $10.11;
GN=$4.32 |
Same
as Lasix, older drug, less expensive.
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| 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.
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| 6. Lozol
|
indapamide
|
1.25 mg
|
BN=$32.20;
GN=$7.44 |
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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.
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| 7. Edecrin
|
ethocrinic
acid |
25 mg |
BN=$10.28 |
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|
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.
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| 8. Aldactone
|
spironolactone
|
50 mg |
BN=$32.78 |
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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).
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| 9. Zarozolyn
|
metolazone
|
2.5 mg
|
BN=$18.67 |
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5.0 mg
|
BN=$20.39 |
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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!
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| Pricing
was from CCF pharmacy (CVS) |
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