Acute effects of furosemide on left ventricular contractility in dogs
Mierzwiak, D.S.
Archives Internationales de Pharmacodynamie et de Therapie 213(2): 180-185
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9780 PMID: 1147715 Document Number: 87208
The acute effects of the intravenous administration of large doses of furosemide on the left ventricle were studied in a controlled open-chest dog preparation. The data revealed that there was no direct effect of furosemide on the ventricular myocardium. This suggests that any acute cardiovascular effects seen clinically after the use of furosemide would most likely be due to changes in the effective circulating blood volume, direct effects upon certain vascular beds, electrolyte alterations, and possible secondary reflex cardiovascular effects rather than to any direct cardiac effects.