Diuretics in COPD
Diuretics may be used in patients with oedema, e.g. ankle swelling, associated with cor pulmonale.
- patients presenting with cor pulmonale should be assessed for the need for long-term oxygen therapy
- oedema associated with cor pulmonale can usually be controlled symptomatically with diuretic therapy
- the following are not recommended for the treatment of cor pulmonale caused by COPD:
- angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
- calcium channel blockers
- alpha-blockers
- digoxin (unless there is atrial fibrillation)
Reference:
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s: diagnosis and management. Jul 2019 [internet publication].
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