Effect of furosemide on antibiotic-induced renal damage in rats.

Abstract

Cephaloridine is known to be nephrotoxic to man and animals. It has recently been suggested that diuretics may enhance this effect. Experiments in rats were undertaken to explore this relationship further. Rats were given a small dose of glycerol to induce mild, transient renal impairment. Thereafter, they received one of several nephrotoxic antibiotics either alone or in association with the diuretic furosemide. At a standard interval after the administration of the drugs, the animals were sacrificed and their kidneys removed for histologic examination. The resulting data indicate that in the rat with transient renal impairment, the nephrotoxicity of four antibiotics (cephaloridine, cephalothin, colistin, and kanamycin) is enhanced by coincidental administration of furosemide. In the case of cephaloridine, this effect was marked when the concentrations of drug in blood were similar to those attained in humans during routine therapy.