Diuretics - Loop
Bumetanide, Furosemide, Torasemide | |
Issues for Surgery | |
For treatment of hypertension – loss of blood pressure (BP) control if omitted. For treatment of oedema – risk of fluid retention and increased risk of exacerbation of symptoms in heart failure patients if omitted. Hypovolaemia, hypotension and/or electrolyte disturbances if continued (see Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents, Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period and Further Information). | |
Advice in the Perioperative period | |
Elective and Emergency Surgery Continue – including the following combination products: - | |
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Correct electrolyte abnormalities (especially hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia) prior to surgery1 – see Further Information. Post-operative Advice Monitor urea and electrolytes (U&E’s) and BP. Dosage reduction should be considered in patients with hypovolaemia, hypotension, or electrolyte disturbances1. | |
Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents | |
Hypotension Loop diuretics can increase the risk of hypotension when used concomitantly with inhalational or intravenous anaesthetics2. Non-depolarising Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs (NMBDs) Furosemide appears to affect the response to non-depolarising NMBDs. Be alert for increased and prolonged neuromuscular blockade. The recovery period should be well monitored because of the risk of recurarisation3 | |
Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period | |
Hypotension Loop diuretics can increase the risk of hypotension when used concomitantly with the antiemetics droperidol and prochlorperazine2. Hypokalaemia Loop diuretics may cause hypokalaemia, increasing the risk of torsade de pointes, which might be additive with the effects of the following2, 3 (see Further Information): -
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) The antihypertensive and diuretic effects of loop diuretics can be reduced by NSAIDs3. The risk of renal failure and ototoxicity might be increased by concomitant use of NSAIDs and loop diuretics. Monitor renal function and electrolytes3. Both loop diuretics and NSAIDs can increase the risk of hyponatraemia2. Antimicrobials (also see under ‘Hypokalaemia’ above) Concomitant use of aminoglycoside (e.g. gentamicin) with a loop diuretic may result in nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity2, although a clear risk has not been demonstrated3. Renal function should normally be monitored when aminoglycosides are given, but increased monitoring may be warranted in patients taking loop diuretics3. Concomitant use of furosemide and vancomycin may increase the risk of ototoxicity2. There is limited evidence that furosemide can reduce vancomycin serum levels by up to 50%. Where appropriate, good therapeutic drug monitoring is needed to ensure vancomycin levels are optimal3. Whilst single surgical prophylactic doses should not pose a problem, continued post-operative treatment may require close monitoring. Consult current product literature. | |
Further Information | |
Hypokalaemia Hypokalaemia is reported to occur in up to 34% of patients undergoing surgery (mostly non-cardiac). It is thought to significantly increase the risk of ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest in cardiac disease1. In one study, hypokalaemia was independently associated with perioperative mortality. Care should be taken with patients taking diuretics and patients prone to developing arrhythmias1. NB: Potassium supplementation alone may not be sufficient to correct hypokalaemia in patients who are also deficient in magnesium. Hypovolaemia Hypovolaemia increases the risk of hypotension during anaesthesia, especially when pre-operative fluid intake has been restricted, or a patient has received purgative solutions (e.g. before bowel surgery)4. The response to concurrently administered vasopressors may be diminished and the response to vasodilators may be enhanced due to the reduction in circulating volume. | |
References | |
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