Pharmacology Made Easy
Medication Information Table
Loop Diuretics – furosemide
Category Information
THERAPEUTIC USE • Treats pulmonary edema in heart failure
• Treats edema caused by renal, hepatic, or cardiac failure not affected by
other diuretics
• Treats hypertension not controlled by other diuretics
ADVERSE DRUG • Electrolyte imbalance: hyponatremia, hypochloremia, severe fluid loss
REACTIONS (dehydration), and hypokalemia
• Hypotension
• Ototoxicity (all loop diuretics - can be temporary or permanent ringing
of ears, hearing loss or balance problems depending on the specific
medication)
• Hyperglycemia (especially in clients who have diabetes mellitus)
• Increased uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) with possible gouty arthritis in
susceptible clients
INTERVENTIONS • Monitor serum electrolyte levels periodically; notify provider for abnormal
levels
• Monitor carefully for signs of electrolyte imbalance
• If hypokalemia occurs, monitor for cardiac dysrhythmias
• If hypokalemia is a risk (e.g., client also taking digoxin) furosemide can be
combined with a potassium-sparing diuretic
• Monitor blood pressure frequently during treatment
• Ensure that the client does not take other ototoxic medications (additive
effect)
• Monitor for hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo
• Monitor blood glucose periodically in all clients
• Monitor blood glucose more frequently in clients who have diabetes
mellitus; insulin or oral antidiabetic medication dosage can need to be
increased
• Monitor uric acid levels periodically
ADMINISTRATION • Available for oral, IM, or IV use
• Give oral form with food to prevent GI manifestations
• If prescribed more than once daily, give second dose by early afternoon to
prevent nocturia and sleep loss
• Give IV form undiluted; administer slowly to prevent ototoxicity
• Protect all forms from light; store oral solution in refrigerator and other
forms at controlled room temperature
Copyright ©2023 Assessment Technologies Institute, L.L.C. All rights reserved. This resource is copyright protected material of ATI and is provided
for use solely under license by ATI. Copying, distributing, or posting this material on the internet or social media is strictly prohibited. Posting on
institution LMS requires ATI’s prior written permission.
PAGE 1
www.atitesting.com ©2023 Assessment Technologies Institute, L.L
Medication Information Table
Loop Diuretics – furosemide
Category Information
THERAPEUTIC USE • Treats pulmonary edema in heart failure
• Treats edema caused by renal, hepatic, or cardiac failure not affected by
other diuretics
• Treats hypertension not controlled by other diuretics
ADVERSE DRUG • Electrolyte imbalance: hyponatremia, hypochloremia, severe fluid loss
REACTIONS (dehydration), and hypokalemia
• Hypotension
• Ototoxicity (all loop diuretics - can be temporary or permanent ringing
of ears, hearing loss or balance problems depending on the specific
medication)
• Hyperglycemia (especially in clients who have diabetes mellitus)
• Increased uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) with possible gouty arthritis in
susceptible clients
INTERVENTIONS • Monitor serum electrolyte levels periodically; notify provider for abnormal
levels
• Monitor carefully for signs of electrolyte imbalance
• If hypokalemia occurs, monitor for cardiac dysrhythmias
• If hypokalemia is a risk (e.g., client also taking digoxin) furosemide can be
combined with a potassium-sparing diuretic
• Monitor blood pressure frequently during treatment
• Ensure that the client does not take other ototoxic medications (additive
effect)
• Monitor for hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo
• Monitor blood glucose periodically in all clients
• Monitor blood glucose more frequently in clients who have diabetes
mellitus; insulin or oral antidiabetic medication dosage can need to be
increased
• Monitor uric acid levels periodically
ADMINISTRATION • Available for oral, IM, or IV use
• Give oral form with food to prevent GI manifestations
• If prescribed more than once daily, give second dose by early afternoon to
prevent nocturia and sleep loss
• Give IV form undiluted; administer slowly to prevent ototoxicity
• Protect all forms from light; store oral solution in refrigerator and other
forms at controlled room temperature
Copyright ©2023 Assessment Technologies Institute, L.L.C. All rights reserved. This resource is copyright protected material of ATI and is provided
for use solely under license by ATI. Copying, distributing, or posting this material on the internet or social media is strictly prohibited. Posting on
institution LMS requires ATI’s prior written permission.
PAGE 1
www.atitesting.com ©2023 Assessment Technologies Institute, L.L
