Furosemide

Product Information

Field
Value
CAS #
54-31-9
Mode of Action
Furosemide promotes diuresis by blocking tubular reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the proximal and distal tubules, as well as in the thick ascending loop of Henle. This diuretic effect is achieved through the competitive inhibition of sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporters (NKCC2) expressed along these tubules in the nephron, preventing the transport of sodium ions from the lumenal side into the basolateral side for reabsorption. This inhibition results in increased excretion of water along with sodium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, hydrogen, and potassium ions.10 As with other loop diuretics, furosemide decreases the excretion of uric acid.8 Furosemide exerts direct vasodilatory effects, which results in its therapeutic effectiveness in the treatment of acute pulmonary edema. Vasodilation leads to reduced responsiveness to vasoconstrictors, such as angiotensin II and noradrenaline, and decreased production of endogenous natriuretic hormones with vasoconstricting properties. It also leads to increased production of prostaglandins with vasodilating properties. Furosemide may also open potassium channels in resistance arteries.8 The main mechanism of action of furosemide is independent of its inhibitory effect on carbonic anhydrase and aldosterone.
Pharmacodynamics
Furosemide manages hypertension and edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and renal disease, including the nephrotic syndrome. Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic that works to increase the excretion of Na+ and water by the kidneys by inhibiting their reabsorption from the proximal and distal tubules, as well as the loop of Henle.9 It works directly acts on the cells of the nephron and indirectly modifies the content of the renal filtrate.8 Ultimately, furosemide increases the urine output by the kidney. Protein-bound furosemide is delivered to its site of action in the kidneys and secreted via active secretion by nonspecific organic transporters expressed at the luminal site of action.4,9 Following oral administration, the onset of the diuretic effect is about 1 and 1.5 hours 9, and the peak effect is reached within the first 2 hours.10 The duration of effect following oral administration is about 4-6 hours but may last up to 8 hours.12 Following intravenous administration, the onset of effect is within 5 minutes, and the peak effect is reached within 30 minutes. The duration of action following intravenous administration is approximately 2 hours. Following intramuscular administration, the onset of action is somewhat delayed.9
Metabolism
The metabolism of furosemide occurs mainly in the kidneys and the liver, to a smaller extent. The kidneys are responsible for about 85% of total furosemide total clearance, where about 40% involves biotransformation.5 Two major metabolites of furosemide are furosemide glucuronide, which is pharmacologically active, and saluamine (CSA) or 4-chloro-5-sulfamoylanthranilic acid.
Toxicity
Clinical consequences from overdose depend on the extent of electrolyte and fluid loss and include dehydration, blood volume reduction, hypotension, electrolyte imbalance, hypokalemia, hypochloremic alkalosis,9 hemoconcentration, cardiac arrhythmias (including A-V block and ventricular fibrillation).12 Symptoms of overdose include acute renal failure, thrombosis, delirious states, flaccid paralysis, apathy and confusion. In cirrhotic patients, overdosage might precipitate hepatic coma.
IUPAC
4-chloro-2-[(furan-2-ylmethyl)amino]-5-sulfamoylbenzoic acid
Formula
C12-H11-ClN2-O5S
DrugBank
DB00695
SMILES
NS(=O)(=O)C1=C(Cl)C=C(NCC2=CC=CO2)C(=C1)C(O)=O
AHFS Code
40:28.08 — Loop Diuretics
InChl
InChI=1S/C12H11ClN2O5S/c13-9-5-10(15-6-7-2-1-3-20-7)8(12(16)17)4-11(9)21(14,18)19/h1-5,15H,6H2,(H,16,17)(H2,14,18,19)