Compared to thiazides, furosemide seems to cause slightly fewer hypokalemias (in average 5% of the treated subjects). However, electrolyte imbalances (also hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hypochloremic alkalosis) are dose related. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia increase the risk of dangerous arrhythmias! Hypotensive reactions and syncopes occur.

Gastrointestinal ailments (e.g. nausea/vomiting), impaired glucose tolerance, hyperuricemia, skin rashes and other allergic reactions, pancreatitis, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis are not as frequent. High furosemide doses also have a (mostly reversible) ototoxic effect.

Furosemide: Interactions

The risk of ototoxicity is increased when furosemide is used together with aminoglycosides or cefaloridine. Hypokalemia induced by furosemide increases the risk of toxicity of digitalis. Like other diuretics furosemide also increases the lithium level. The antihypertensive effect of furosemide is not inhibited by non-steroidal anti-infalammatory agents.

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