diuretics in COAD

Last reviewed 02/2021

Diuretics may be used in patients with oedema, e.g. ankle swelling, due to 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:
    • angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
    • calcium channel blockers
    • alpha-blockers
    • digoxin (unless there is atrial fibrillation)

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