Past Papers · SAQ

Diuretics — Frusemide vs Acetazolamide

Current · V5 (2025) → E3.i Historical · V4 (2023) → H3.i 3 exam appearances

2023B Q08

Exam question

Compare and contrast the pharmacology of frusemide and acetazolamide.

CICMWrecks answer

Master answer

Canonical sourceCanonical Pharmacopeia comparison
Open in Pharmacopeia
Canonical comparison

Master Compare

Compare candidate-facing canonical Pharmacopeia fields side by side. Isolated AI-draft proposals are never included.

2selected
Comparing 2 of 2 drugs
× ×
Change selection
2 drug columns · use arrows or scrollbar
Field ACETAZOLAMIDE
Renal · Renal · Level 3
FRUSEMIDE
Renal · Renal · Level 1
Mechanism of action

Diuresis
Reversible, non-competitive inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase
PCT: ↓H+ and HCO3- prodn
↓ cytosol H+ → ↓Na+ reabs in PCT→ ↑H2O loss
↓cytosol HCO3→↑luminal HCO3→ H2O diffusion with HCO3 ,Na, K to urine
Eye: ↓Na pump, ↓AH formation

Diuresis
Inhibition of active chloride ion reabsorption in PCT and ascending limb of LoH
↓ reabsorption of NaCl → ↓ tonicity in the renal medulla → ↓water reabsorption and diuresis.
Other effects are mediated by the induction of the COX-2 enzyme which assists in synthesis of prostaglandins.

Physiological effects

Metabolic: Acidosis via ↑ excretion of bicarb (and reabsorption of Cl)
Resp: ↑MV → comp resp alk
CNS: anticonvulsant properties, ↓ CSF and IOP by ↓d formation GIT: ↓ Pancreatic and gastric
GU: mild diuresis, Na retention

Pulmonary and systemic vasodilation
Diuresis ↑ RBF and ↑ corticomedullary blood flow
↓O₂ demand in the LoH (ischaemic
protection)

Absorption

IV/PO
PO BA = 100%

PO/IV/SL/IM. PO BA 50% Onset PO/SL 30-60mins, IV 5 mins .
Dur PO/SL 6-8hrs, IV 2hrs

Distribution

Lip sol: crosses BBB

—
Protein binding

70-90%

91-99% (Albumin)

Volume of distribution —

0.1L/kg

Metabolism

Not metabolised

Renal to glucuronide
Minimal hepatic

Excretion

Unchanged in urine

80% unchanged in urine

Half-life

6-9hrs

0.5-2hrs. ESRF: 9hrs

Adverse Effects Toxicity

metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinisation, parathesias, fatigue,
hypokalaemia, N+V, abdo pain

Tox: Rashes, renal stones

↓ K+/Na+/Cl-/Ca++, Hyper- urea/glu/chol, Metabolic alkalosis
Tox: Deafness, Pancreatitis
BM depression
Interstitial nephritis (worse with aminoglycoside)

Class Group

Diuretic – Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor

Diuretic - Loop

Indications Uses

Glaucoma
Miniere’s disease
Altitude sickness
Adjunct in epilepsy

Oedema of cardiac, renal or hepatic origin, Renal insufficency
Hypertension
Raised ICP
Hypercalcaemia

Introduction

Sulfonamide

Sulfonamide derivative

Legacy Cicm Level

Level 3

Level 1

Presentation

250mg white tablets
500mg vials for reconstitution

Photosensitive solution 10mg/ml
20/40/500mg tabs, Syrup

Route And Dose

250-1000mg q6hrly
IV/PO

20-2000mg daily
PO/IV/SL/IM.

Past papers

Exam appearances

3 appearances
Exam Exact exam wording Candidate success
2023B Q08 Compare and contrast the pharmacology of frusemide and acetazolamide. 31%
2018A Q16 Compare and contrast the pharmacology of furosemide (frusemide) and acetazolamide. 30%
2013A Q20 Compare and contrast the pharmacology of frusemide and acetazolamide. —