What classification does Furosemide (Lasix) belong to?

Furosemide, commonly known by its brand name Lasix, is classified as a loop diuretic. This classification is significant because loop diuretics act on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the nephron, which is a key structure in the kidney. By inhibiting the sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter in this area, furosemide promotes the excretion of sodium, potassium, and chloride, leading to increased urine production.

Loop diuretics like furosemide are particularly effective in treating conditions such as heart failure, edema associated with liver cirrhosis, and renal disease, due to their ability to produce a potent diuretic effect. This differentiates them from thiazide diuretics, which work at a different site and have a less powerful diuretic effect, and potassium-sparing diuretics, which help to prevent potassium loss and do not promote as strong diuresis. Similarly, ACE inhibitors are not diuretics at all; they function primarily to lower blood pressure through inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The specific mechanism and site of action of loop diuretics underscore their classification and therapeutic application in clinical practice.