The drugs are used individually or in combination with other diuretics to treat congestion associated with heart failure, ascites due to cirrhosis, pulmonary congestion, increased intracranial and intraocular pressure… Loop diuretics increase urinary output by blocking the reabsorption of sodium in the (thick) ascending loop of Henle.

These drugs work by inhibiting the action of the Na-K-2Cl (NKCC2) cotransporters in the luminal membrane, thereby inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption and triggering losses of potassium and magnesium

drugs — used individually or in combination with other diuretics to treat congestion associated with heart failure, ascites due to cirrhosis, pulmonary congestion, increased intr. loop diuretics — drugs that interrupt the reabsorption of sodium and water in the loop of Henle, resulting in increased urinary output. potassium-sparing diuretics — drugs that interrupt sodium and water reabsorption while retaining potassium and increasing urinary output. ascites — abnormal fluid present between the peritoneum and the abdominal organs.