Effects of furosemide on low-dose mercuric chloride acute renal failure in the rat.

The use of potent diuretics in acute renal failure remains controversial. Both beneficial and detrimental effects have been reported. In the present study, the effects of both low and high doses of furosemide administered in the developmental and established stages of mercuric chloride-induced acute renal failure were evaluated. Both low and high doses of furosemide produced a significant diuresis when given early in the course of experimental acute renal failure. Despite this diuresis, furosemide did not modify the development of the acute renal failure. Continued administration of a low dose of furosemide had no effect on renal function; however, prolonged administration of high doses of furosemide resulted in significantly lower creatinine clearances 48 hr after induction of acute renal failure. This detrimental effect was due to sodium depletion by the diuretic since it was prevented by continuous replacement of urinary sodium losses. In the absence of sodium depletion, high doses of furosemide produced a significant diuresis, both in the developmental and established phases of acute renal failure, but it had no effect on the degree of renal functional impairment.