ATC Group: C03C High-ceiling diuretics

Bumetanide is a potent loop diuretic with a rapid onset and a short duration of action. The primary site of action is the ascending limb of the loop of Henle where it exerts inhibiting effects on electrolyte reabsorption, causing its diuretic and natriuretic action.

Ethacrynic acid is a monosulfonamyl loop or high ceiling diuretic. Ethacrynic acid acts on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle and on the proximal and distal tubules.

Furosemide inhibits active chloride transport in the thick ascending limb. Re-absorption of sodium, chloride from the nephron is reduced and a hypotonic or isotonic urine produced. The evidence from many experimental studies suggests that furosemide acts along the entire nephron with the exception of the distal exchange site.

Piretanide is a loop diuretic for the management of fluid retention and treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.

Torasemide is a loop diuretic. Torasemide acts as a salidiuretic by inhibition of renal sodium and chloride reabsorption in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Torasemide leads to a gentle removal of edema and especially to an improvement of the working condition of the heart failure by reducing the preload and afterload. In patients with severe to endstage chronic renal failure there is a reduction of aterial blood pressure in addition to removal of edema and maintenance of residual diuresis.