Doctors have the opportunity to overcome swelling in patients and, moreover, to prevent them. But besides the benefits, it is important to know why diuretics are harmful? Diuretics are indicated for problems with blood circulation in connection with heart disease, with edema caused by pathologies of the kidneys and liver. Diuretic tablets flush out excess sodium and water, toxins and poisons from the body. But these funds are not selective, therefore, the beneficial removal of harmful substances is accompanied by the leaching of valuable minerals (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, ferrum, copper, amino acids, vitamins C and group B).
Diuretics should be taken for medicinal purposes, without overusing them if you are overweight.
Why are diuretics dangerous?
Despite the positive aspects of diuretic treatment, the drugs have a negative effect on the body, have contraindications and side effects. Therefore, before using, it is important to consult a doctor and study the instructions.
The main disadvantage of taking diuretics is the associated excretion of nutrients in the urine. Diuretics are capable of:
- remove potassium, which leads to frequent fatigue;
- provoke the deposition of salts, which is fraught with osteoporosis;
- increase the risk of developing diabetes mellitus against the background of an increase in "bad" cholesterol;
- addictive to frequent urination why insomnia develops;
- provoke a change in the hormonal background, which causes impotence in men, and in women - a failure of the monthly cycle.
There is a misconception that modern diuretics do not affect metabolism, but this is not the case. Their incorrect and frequent use is harmful in the same way as the drugs of the old modification, but the harmful effect is not immediately noticeable. Not a single modification of diuretic tablets eliminates the cause of edema, but only promotes the elimination of excess water and sodium, therefore, their use is advisable only in combination with basic medicinal products. All the pros and cons of diuretics are known by the doctor, who will tell you the right choice.
Imbalance in potassium and sodium
One of the important "against" the use of diuretics - in a short time, together with sodium, potassium is washed out from the body, which is needed for the metabolism of carbohydrates, the synthesis of glycogen (an energy component), and the production of protein. If the balance of potassium and sodium is imbalanced, problems arise with the strength of the heart, muscle contractions, nerve communications between receptors are disrupted. With muscle weakness, intestinal motility and urea decrease, which causes urinary and fecal retention. Along with the fall in blood pressure, migraines, nausea and dizziness develop.
Washing out useful substances, drugs give such a negative result as development:
- extrasystoles - an alternating increase and deceleration of the heartbeat, up to cardiac arrest;
- muscle weakness;
- sudden seizures;
- drowsiness and apathy.
Solutions) have become part of our life quite firmly. They are used to correct the acid-base balance in the body. After all, they perfectly remove excess acid and alkali from it. Diuretic pills, the list of which is quite impressive, are used in the treatment of poisoning, some injuries (especially if it comes on head injuries), to combat hypertension. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows not only the mechanism of action of these funds, but also the side effects that they can cause. And improper use of diuretics can lead to serious complications.
short info
For the treatment of many ailments, diuretic pills are used. List effective drugs and continues to increase today. Diuretics are also called diuretics.
Their main goal is to remove excess water, chemicals, salts from the body, which tend to accumulate in the walls of blood vessels, tissues. In addition, diuretics have a positive effect on the water-salt balance.
If a large number of sodium ions accumulates in the body, then subcutaneous tissue begins to be deposited. It has a very negative effect on the functioning of the kidneys, heart, and the hematopoietic system. As a result, the patient develops a variety of diseases and disorders.
In addition, diuretics are in great demand in sports medicine. They are often used for weight loss. Very often, diuretics (tablets) are included in complex therapy to combat a variety of ailments.
According to the effect on the body, modern diuretics are divided into two main forms. The first category of drugs affects the process of urination directly in the kidneys. The second form of diuretics is responsible for hormonal regulation of urine production.
Important caveat
There is a lot of information that the diuretic pills listed below can also easily solve cosmetic problems. At the same time, many people believe that such drugs are completely safe. Some women take such drugs on their own in order to lose weight. Athletes use drugs extensively before competition in order to lose weight. Even bodybuilders use them in an effort to create artificial dehydration so that the muscles look more prominent.
However, people who take diuretics without a medical prescription are at great risk. After all, diuretic treatment can lead to unpleasant consequences. You should know that diuretics are capable of:
Quite often, even those patients who understand the risk believe that the latest drugs "Indapamide", "Torasemide", "Arifon" do not have a detrimental effect on metabolism. These drugs are actually much better tolerated than older generation drugs. However, they are also harmful to health. But the negative impact of these funds is revealed much later. It is enough to understand the mechanism of their action. The drugs of the new and old generation are aimed at one thing - to stimulate the kidneys to work more intensively. Consequently, they remove more salt and water.
It is important to understand that fluid retention in the body is a symptom of a serious illness. Puffiness cannot occur on its own. It is provoked by serious failures in the functioning of the kidneys, heart, and sometimes other reasons. Consequently, diuretics are drugs (their list is very extensive) of exclusively symptomatic action. Unfortunately, they do not get rid of the cause of the disease. Thus, medications only delay the unpleasant ending for patients. Therefore, people who want to improve their health and fight a real disease should not do with diuretics alone, much less use them on their own.
Classification of drugs
There is no unified system according to which all diuretics would be divided until today, since all drugs have different chemical structure, differently affect the systems of the body. Therefore, it is not possible to create an ideal classification.
Often, the separation occurs according to the mechanism of action. According to this classification, there are:
- Thiazide drugs. They are great for treating hypertension and are excellent at lowering blood pressure. It is recommended to use them in parallel with other medicines. Thiazides are capable of negatively affecting metabolism, therefore, such diuretics are prescribed in small quantities. Drugs (a list of only the most popular is given in the article) from this group are "Ezidrex", "Hydrochlorothiazide", "Chlorthalidone", "Indapamide", "Hypothiazide", "Arifon".
- Loop means. They remove salt and fluid from the body due to their effect on kidney filtration. These drugs are characterized by fast diuretic effect... Loop diuretics do not affect cholesterol levels, do not create prerequisites for the onset of diabetes. However, their biggest drawback is the many side effects. The most common drugs are "Torasemide", "Furosemide", "Ethacrynic acid", "Bumetanid".
- Potassium-sparing agents. A fairly broad group of drugs. Such medications help to increase the excretion of chloride and sodium from the body. In this case, the removal of potassium minimizes such diuretic tablets. The list of the most popular drugs: Amiloride, Triamteren, Spironolactone.
- Aldosterone antagonists. These diuretics work by blocking a natural hormone that retains salt and moisture in the body. Drugs that neutralize aldosterone promote fluid removal. At the same time, the potassium content in the body does not decrease. The most popular representative is Veroshpiron.
Preparations for edema
For a good effect, powerful agents can be used. The following diuretic tablets are used for edema:
- Torasemid;
- Furosemide;
- "Pyretanides";
- Xipamide;
- "Bumetanid".
Medium-strength diuretic tablets can also be used for edema:
- Hydrochlorothiazide;
- "Hypothiazide";
- Chlorthalidone;
- "Klopamid";
- "Polythiazide";
- Indapamide;
- "Metozalon".
Such drugs are used for a long time and continuously. The recommended dose is determined by the attending physician. Typically, it is about 25 mg per day.
For small edema, potassium-sparing diuretics such as Spironolactone, Amiloride, Triamteren are more suitable. They are taken in courses (2-3 weeks) at intervals of 10-14 days.
Drugs for hypertension
Diuretic medicines used for high blood pressure fall into two categories:
- Products with a quick effect. Such drugs are used for hypertensive crisis, when it becomes necessary to quickly reduce blood pressure.
- Means for daily use. Medicines keep your blood pressure at an optimal level.
To stop a hypertensive crisis, powerful medications can be used. The most popular is Furosemide. Its price is low. The following remedies are no less effective in a crisis:
- Torasemid;
- "Bumetanid";
- "Ethacrynic acid";
- "Pyretanides";
- Xipamide.
The duration of taking the above drugs can be 1-3 days. After stopping the crisis, such potent drugs are switched to drugs that can maintain the pressure at the required level daily.
- Indapamide;
- Hydrochlorothiazide;
- "Hypothiazide";
- "Klopamid";
- "Metozalon";
- "Polythiazide";
- Chlorthalidone.
These medications are taken daily as directed by your doctor. They perfectly maintain the optimum pressure level.
Heart failure medications
Due to this pathology, fluid retention in the body often occurs. This phenomenon creates stagnation of blood in the lungs. The patient has many unpleasant symptoms, such as shortness of breath, edema, enlarged liver, and wheezing in the heart.
For people with a doctor, a diuretic must be introduced into therapy. It perfectly prevents severe consequences in the lungs, cardiogenic shock. In this case, diuretics increase the patient's tolerance to physical activity.
For patients with the first and second degree of the disease, a thiazide drug is a good diuretic. With a more serious pathology, the patient is transferred to strong remedy- a loop diuretic. In some cases, the drug "Spironolactone" is additionally prescribed. The reception of such a remedy is especially relevant if the patient has developed hypokalemia.
When the effect of using the drug "Furosemide" is weakened, cardiologists recommend replacing it with the drug "Torasemide". It is noticed that the last remedy has a more beneficial effect on the body in severe forms of heart failure.
The drug "Furosemide"
The medicine is a fast-acting diuretic. Its effect occurs after taking it for 20 minutes. The duration of exposure to the drug is about 4-5 hours.
This remedy is effective not only for arresting a hypertensive crisis. According to the instructions, the medicine helps with heart failure, edema of the brain and lungs, chemical poisoning. It is often prescribed for late toxicosis during pregnancy.
However, the remedy also has strict contraindications. The drug is not used in the first trimester of pregnancy. It should not be used by patients with renal insufficiency, people who have hypoglycemia, urinary obstruction.
Low cost of the drug "Furosemide". The price is approximately 19 rubles.
The drug "Torasemid"
The medicine is a fast-acting remedy. The drug "Furosemide" undergoes biotransformation in the kidneys, so it is not suitable for all patients. More effective medicine for people suffering from kidney ailments, the drug "Torasemide" becomes, since it undergoes biotransformation in the liver. But with pathologies of this organ, the medicine can cause serious harm.
Already after 15 minutes, the effect on the body begins (as reported by the price attached to the drug, the price varies from 205 to 655 rubles.
Long-term studies have confirmed the high efficacy of the drug in heart failure. In addition, the drug perfectly removes salts and liquids. At the same time, the loss of potassium by the body is insignificant, since effective remedy blocks the hormone aldosterone.
The drug "Indapamide"
The medicine is very effective for hypertension (severe and moderate). The tool perfectly reduces blood pressure and maintains its optimal level throughout the day. In addition, it prevents an increase in this indicator in the morning.
You need to take the medicine once a day, 1 tablet, as evidenced by the instructions included in the Indapamide preparation. The average price of the product varies from 22 to 110 rubles.
Before taking it, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications, since an excellent remedy is not suitable for all patients suffering from hypertension. The drug is not intended for people who have impaired kidney and liver function. It is forbidden to take the medicine to pregnant, lactating mothers. In case of cerebral circulation failures, anuria, hypokalemia, the remedy is contraindicated.
The drug "Triamteren"
The medicine is a mild diuretic. It is recommended to use it in combination with another diuretic drug - "Hydrochlorothiazide". Thanks to this combination, it is possible to reduce the loss of potassium by the body. The drug "Triamteren" gives a beneficial effect. The instruction positions it as a potassium-sparing agent.
The medicine should be used strictly taking into account the prescribed dosage. People with impaired kidney function may experience unpleasant side effect- an increased level of potassium. Sometimes the remedy can lead to dehydration. When interacting with folic acid the medicine helps to increase red blood cells.
The cost of the funds is 316 rubles.
The drug "Spironolactone"
The medicine is a potassium and magnesium-sparing agent. At the same time, it effectively removes sodium and chlorine from the body. After the start of taking the drug, the diuretic effect occurs approximately 2-5 days.
The medicine can be prescribed for hypertension, chronic heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver. The use of "Spironolactone" is effective for swelling in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
The drug is not intended for people who are diagnosed with diabetes, renal or hepatic failure, anuria. It is forbidden to use the remedy in the first trimester of pregnancy. In case of hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, the drug is contraindicated. It should not be introduced into therapy for people with Addison's disease.
Side effects can also be observed when using the medication. In some cases, the remedy provokes hives, itching, drowsiness, headache, diarrhea, or constipation.
The cost of the funds is about 54 rubles.
Why are the side effects of diuretics dangerous? Those that affect the violation of acid-base balance, water-electrolyte homeostasis, the exchange of uric acid, phosphates, lipids and carbohydrates. In addition to the general side effects of diuretics, there are specific ones. It all depends on which group of diuretics was used. These include ototoxic disorders when using loop drugs, endocrine disorders when treating with spironolactone, etc.
Side effects of diuretics that violate the acid-base balance are reduced to:
- hypochloremic alkalosis;
- metabolic acidosis.
As for the changes in the water-electrolyte balance, these side effects were discovered literally right after the start of taking, not only as a medicine to reduce hypertension or relieve edema, but also as a means for losing weight.
Such violations include:
- dehydration;
- overhydration;
- hypokalemia;
- hyperkalemia;
- hypomagnesemia;
- hyponatremia;
- hypernatremia;
- hypocalcemia;
- hypercalcemia;
- zinc deficiency.
Along with the withdrawal of water from the body, the withdrawal of phosphates also occurs and, as a result, hypophosphatemia.
And, of course, taking diuretics affects uric acid metabolism. When taking thiazide and loop drugs, patients may have an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia).
Side effects from taking diuretics from lipid metabolism are atherogenic dyslipoproteinemia and hypercholesterolemia.
And finally, diuretics disrupt carbohydrate metabolism, problems with which arise both with long-term use and with short-term use of these funds.
Contraindications to taking diuretics
Contraindications for the appointment of all diuretics are early dates pregnancy, hepatic and renal failure. In addition, each group also has its own individual restrictions that make it impossible to use certain diuretics in each specific case.
It is logical that many people have a question: “Are diuretic pills harmful? If so, why are diuretics dangerous to human health? It goes without saying that any medicine, including diuretics, can harm the patient's body, especially if the remedy was not prescribed by a doctor, but was taken with self-medication for a long time and in excessive doses, without taking into account concomitant diseases and concomitant medications.
Are diuretic pills harmful if prescribed by a doctor based on the patient's condition, weight, medications and concomitant diseases? Yes, but to a much lesser extent. In addition, the negative effects can be reduced with other drugs.
So, what is the harm from a diuretic?
Since a person, taking diuretics, stimulates the elimination of fluid from the body, together with urine he loses a number of minerals: potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium. That is, a disorder of the water-salt balance occurs and, as a result, the following is violated:
- circulation;
- nausea appears;
- dizziness;
- fatigue increases;
- heart problems begin.
And from constant dehydration, there is a decrease in blood circulation and a slowdown in the course of all biochemical reactions vital for a person:
- hypotension develops;
- oxygen starvation of the brain;
- hormonal disruptions;
- loss of consciousness.
Why are diuretics harmful in addition to the above? Addictive. Of course, the side effect of diuretics is not drug addiction, it is about the kidneys getting used to the fact that the excretion of fluid from the body is additionally stimulated, which means that the kidneys will stop doing it on their own.
Diuretics have a specific effect on the body, promoting the elimination of fluid naturally. Most diuretics block the reabsorption of electrolytes in the renal tubules.
This leads to an increase in their release, accompanied by the release of an appropriate volume of fluid.
There is a classification of drugs in this group, depending on the composition and mechanisms of action:
- Influencing the function of the epithelial layer of the renal tubules.
- Potassium-sparing.
- Osmotic.
According to the degree of sodium leaching, they are distinguished:
- highly effective diuretics - remove more than 15% Na;
- medium effective - about 10% Na;
- ineffective - less than 5% Na.
Taking diuretics lowers blood pressure, therefore, the recommended dosage and medical recommendations should be strictly observed.
The antihypertensive action is carried out using two mechanisms:
- Decrease in the concentration of sodium in the blood.
- Dilation of blood vessels, due to which the level of blood pressure decreases.
For this reason, diuretic medicines are actively prescribed for hypertension.
With systematic use, the following occurs:
- relaxation of biliary smooth muscles, respiratory tract, arteries, due to which the antispasmodic effect is carried out;
- improvement of microcirculation of blood in the kidneys;
- reduction of platelet adhesion;
- elimination of excessive load on the ventricles of the heart.
Certain types of diuretics increase fluid pressure in the interstitial space.
Forms of issue
After analyzing the physical condition of the patient, the features of the course of the disease, concomitant diagnoses, the doctor prescribes a medicine in the form of:
- tablets;
- capsules;
- drops;
- solution for intramuscular or intravenous injection.
Regardless of the form of release, all diuretics have a single purpose - to remove excess moisture from the cavities and tissues of the body by increasing the volume of urine excreted.
Indications for use
Taking diuretics is prescribed for the following pathological conditions:
- hypertension, especially in elderly patients;
- chronic form of renal, heart failure;
- osteoporosis;
- congenital Liddle's syndrome (violation of sodium-potassium metabolism);
- increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma);
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- swelling of the heart muscle.
With a therapeutic and prophylactic purpose for hypertension, thiazide diuretics are taken, which provide a mild hypotensive effect with moderately high blood pressure. Diuretics are used to prevent stroke.
Therapy is conventionally divided into active and supportive. In the first case, a moderate dosage of a potent diuretic is prescribed. In the second, the systematic intake of diuretic drugs of medium / low effectiveness.
Contraindications
It is forbidden to use diuretics for patients suffering from:
- individual hypersensitivity to sulfonamide derivatives ( antibacterial action, as well as drugs that lower the concentration of glucose);
- deficiency of K;
- decompensated form of liver cirrhosis;
- acute respiratory, renal, heart failure;
- diabetes mellitus.
Relative contraindications include ventricular arrhythmia.
Possible side reactions
The use of thiazide diuretics can cause an increase in the concentration of uric acid in the blood serum, which negatively affects the well-being of patients with gout.
An overdose of diuretics can cause the following side reactions:
- drowsiness, loss of strength due to a decrease in blood pressure;
- thirst, dry mouth;
- headache;
- nausea;
- stool disorders;
- increased urination.
In severe cases, it is noted:
- arrhythmia;
- muscle hypotonia;
- spasms, muscle cramps;
- increased blood glucose levels;
- failure of the menstrual cycle;
- decreased libido, potency.
Impaired ion exchange often leads to allergic reactions skin. An overdose of osmotic diuretics used for heart failure increases plasma volume, resulting in increased stress on the heart. These phenomena often provoke the development of pulmonary edema.
Pharmacological interactions
The combination of varieties of diuretics with other pharmaceuticals gives the following effect:
- thiazides, loop diuretics with cardiac glycosides - a decrease in the level of potassium in the blood, which leads to an increase in the toxic properties of nitrogen-free compounds;
- thiazide with NSAIDs - a decrease in the hypotensive, diuretic effect, sodium is retained with the liquid;
- with sulfinylpyrazone - slowing down the release of urea;
- with sulfonylurea derivatives - a decrease in the effectiveness of antidiabetic agents;
- saluretics with Amiodarone - increases the risk of developing hypokalemia, against the background of which arrhythmia progresses;
- with antibiotics of the aminoglycoside group - the likelihood of nephro-, ototoxic effects;
- with cephalothin - a similar effect often observed in elderly patients;
- with depolarizing muscle relaxants - deterioration of neuromuscular conduction;
- potassium-sparing with ACE inhibitors, K drugs - the likelihood of hyperkalemia increases (with renal failure);
- with Indomethacin - a high risk of developing renal failure, a decrease in diuretic action.
Application methods
The most common saluretic Furosemide is used:
- orally;
- intravenously;
- intramuscularly.
In the first case, 40 mg in the morning. If necessary - 80-160 mg in several doses, observing an interval of at least 6 hours. With a decrease in the severity of symptoms, the dose is gradually reduced, increasing the intervals between doses up to 1-2 days.
Scheme of use for hypertension: 20 - 40 mg (maximum 80 mg) intramuscularly once, intravenously - 20-60 (maximum 120 mg) mg 1 - 2 times a day for a week or more.
Patients with severe renal failure - 240 - 320 mg per day, with a decrease in edema, the amount of the injected drug is reduced, increasing the intervals between injections.
Symptoms and cause of overdose
- forgetfulness of patients, especially the elderly;
- deliberate use for the purpose fast weight loss or removing doping from the body of athletes;
- casual reception by children.
Typical symptoms:
- a sharp decrease in blood pressure indicators;
- dizziness;
- light-headedness, fainting;
- violation of visual, auditory function;
- feeling thirsty, dry mouth, indicating dehydration.
An overdose of chronic diuretics occurs when the dose is incorrectly selected. As a result, pathological changes occur. internal organs, at which there is:
- constant fatigue;
- dry skin, mucous membranes;
- drowsiness;
- decreased performance and concentration.
In some cases, anorexia, paresthesia, convulsions, dyspeptic disorders develop.
First aid
For an overdose victim, you must immediately call an ambulance. In the meantime, take measures to neutralize the toxic effects.
After oral administration of diuretics that caused poisoning, gastric lavage should be performed. To do this, you need to prepare a solution:
- 1 liter of clean warm water;
- 1 tbsp. l. salt.
Drink in one gulp, provoke vomiting by pressing your index finger on the base of the tongue.
Other methods of drug administration are used, as a rule, in a hospital setting, where in case of an overdose, qualified medical care is provided.
Treatment of poisoning with diuretics
Antitoxic therapy is performed only in medical institutions. To replenish the volume of circulating blood, droppers are used with solutions:
- Disol;
- Trisol.
Potassium-, magnesium-containing solutions normalize the activity of the cardiovascular system. Low blood pressure is increased with hypertensive medications.
Overdose of diuretics is a common occurrence among hypertensive patients, especially the elderly. A similar phenomenon is often observed in athletes and those who are trying to lose weight and remove excess fluid from the body in a short time. When the first symptoms of poisoning appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Next, you need to take measures to reduce intoxication and prevent severe consequences.
Furosemide (synonym Lasix) is one of the most powerful diuretics (diuretics). The drug is used more often as an emergency aid, it is systematically used only in the presence of pronounced congestion in the large, small, or both circles of blood circulation. The diuretic action of Furosemide is powerful, rapid and short-lived. After oral administration, the effect occurs within 15-30 minutes, reaches a maximum after 1-2 hours and lasts 6-8 hours. intravenous administration appears after 5 minutes, peak - after 30 minutes, duration - 2 hours.
Source: kinrent.ru
Furosemide increases the excretion of water and, accordingly, the amount of urine excreted. Together with it, the drug intensively removes sodium, bicarbonates, phosphates, potassium, calcium and magnesium ions, which plays a fundamental role in the development of complications when therapeutic doses are exceeded.
The drug is available in the form of tablets (40 mg) and solution (10 mg / ml and 20 mg / 2 ml).
In the form of tablets, Furosemide is indicated for the following conditions:
- edematous syndrome of various etiologies, including chronic heart and renal failure, liver diseases;
- nephrotic syndrome;
- severe arterial hypertension.
Parenteral administration (intravenously, rarely intramuscularly) Furosemide is indicated in the case of:
- edematous syndrome with decompensation of chronic heart failure stage IIA – III;
- acute heart failure (pulmonary edema, cardiac asthma);
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- swelling of the brain;
- eclampsia;
- severe arterial hypertension;
- hypertensive crisis;
- hypercalcemia;
- carrying out forced diuresis.
Contraindications or restrictions to the use of Furosemide are:
- conditions accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure;
- electrolyte imbalance;
- a pronounced violation of the outflow of urine of any etiology;
- acute myocardial infarction;
- severe diabetes mellitus;
- other diseases in the acute phase or in the stage of decompensation.
Furosemide crosses the placental barrier, therefore it is contraindicated in pregnancy and is prescribed only if the benefits of using the drug for the mother are higher than the risk for the fetus. Since Furosemide is excreted with breast milk breast-feeding at the time of treatment must be discontinued.
Furosemide is prescribed for adults and children over 3 years old, it is contraindicated for young children.
The initial dose for adult patients is 20–80 mg per day. It builds up gradually, is set individually in accordance with the clinical situation (diuretic response). The maximum daily dose is 1500 mg, divided into 2-3 doses. The maximum one-time (in exceptional cases) is 600 mg.
In children, the initial single dose is determined at the rate of 1-2 mg / kg of body weight per day with a possible increase in the dose to a maximum of 6 mg / kg per day, provided that the drug is taken no more than 6 hours later.
Changing the specified dosage regimen may lead to an overdose with symptoms of acute intoxication.
Signs of overdose
The main symptoms of a Furosemide overdose are:
- a marked decrease in blood pressure (blood pressure);
- feeling of unreasonable fatigue, drowsiness;
- dizziness, headache;
- decrease in body temperature;
- cooling and cyanotic staining of the skin;
- cold sweat, chills;
- dry mouth, intense thirst;
- a sharp decrease in the amount of urine separated, its concentrated color and pungent odor;
- confusion and depression of consciousness, apathy;
- heart rhythm disturbances;
- tachycardia;
- decreased muscle strength, hypo- or areflexia;
- nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain;
- convulsions.
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Sometimes you can find recommendations for the use of Furosemide for rapid decline body weight - 3-5 kg in 2-4 days. The outcome of this practice can be severe electrolyte disturbances, heart rhythm disorders incompatible with life, collapse, shock, and, ultimately, death.
First aid for an overdose of Furosemide
In case of an overdose with parenteral use of the drug, you must immediately stop the administration, give the victim a position with an elevated leg end, provide access fresh air, unbuttoning the embarrassing clothing.
If there is an overdose of Furosemide tablets, you must:
- Rinse the stomach, for which drink 1-1.5 liters of warm water or a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate and provoke vomiting by pressing on the root of the tongue.
- Take a saline laxative (magnesium sulfate).
- Take enterosorbent (for example, Enterosgel, Atoxil according to the scheme or Activated carbon at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight).
Antidote
There is no specific antidote for Furosemide.
When is medical attention required?
Medical assistance is needed if:
- the child suffered, old man or a pregnant woman;
- the victim is unconscious or has limited access to contact;
- BP is below 80/50 mm Hg. Art .;
- sharp tachycardia, arrhythmia;
- neurological symptoms (loss of orientation in time and place, lethargy or excessive agitation, convulsions, confusion, etc.);
- severe cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes;
- intense shortness of breath, change in breathing;
- signs of dehydration;
- vomit or stool contains traces of blood.
If necessary, the injured by the ambulance team is delivered to the specialized department of the hospital, where further specific treatment is carried out:
- replenishment of the circulating blood volume (Ringer's solution, isotonic sodium chloride solution, Polyglyukin, Reopoliglyukin);
- artificial ventilation of the lungs, oxygen therapy;
- intravenous administration of electrolyte solutions (sodium chloride, Lactasol, polarizing mixture);
- drugs to support the activity of the cardiac and respiratory system, if necessary;
- symptomatic therapy of the developed disorders.
Possible consequences
The consequences of an overdose of Furosemide can be:
- acute renal failure;
- atrioventricular block;
- thromboembolism;
- collapse, shock;
- coma, death.
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