Chronopharmacological study of furosemide; (VII). Influence of repeated administration on biochemical parameters in...

The present study was undertaken to examine whether influences of furosemide on biochemical parameters vary with its time of administration in Wistar rats. Rats were maintained under conditions of light (0700-1900 hrs) and dark (1900-0700 hrs). Furosemide (30 mg/kg) or vehicle (5% glucose) was given orally at 1000 hrs (day trial) or at 2200 hrs (night trial) for 14 days. Water and food intakes were measured, and urine was collected for 24 hours following the final dosage in each group. Thereafter, blood samples were obtained. Water intake and urinary excretions of volume, sodium and chloride increased by furosemide treatment. The increments in these parameters were greater in the day trial than in the night trial. Food intake did not change. The serum concentration of chloride was decreased by furosemide. The decrement in this parameter was enhanced in the day trial. The influence of furosemide on other biochemical parameters (sodium, potassium, creatinine, calcium, inorganic phosphate, total protein, total cholesterol and glucose) did not differ between the day and night trials. These data indicate that the untoward influence of furosemide on serum chloride might vary with its time of administration.