Crit Care Resusc
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A pilot randomised controlled trial evaluating the pharmacodynamic effects of furosemide versus acetazolamide in critically ill patients.
To compare the physiological and biochemical effects of a single intravenous dose of furosemide or acetazolamide in critically ill patients. ⋯ Furosemide is a more potent diuretic and chloriuretic agent than acetazolamide in critically ill patients, and achieves a threefold greater negative fluid balance. Compared with acetazolamide, furosemide acidifies urine and alkalinises plasma. Our findings imply that combination therapy might be a more physiological approach to diuresis in critically ill patients.