Effect of furosemide on aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity and auditory toxicity in humans

We analyzed data from three prospective, controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trails to determine whether furosemide increases the nephrotoxicity and auditory toxicity of aminoglycosides. All patients who received at least 72 h of treatment and who had no other cause for nephrotoxicity or auditory toxicity were included in the analysis. Nephrotoxicity developed in 10 of 50 (20.0%) patients given furosemide and in 38 of 222 (17.1%) patients not given furosemide (P greater than 0.3). Auditory toxicity developed in 5 of 23 patients (21.7%) given furosemide and in 28 of 119 patients (23.5%) not given furosemide (P greater than 0.3). In each case, the groups receiving and not receiving furosemide did not differ in mean age, initial creatinine, duration of aminoglycoside therapy, mean change in auditory acuity or creatinine, mean number of days to the development of toxicity, the frequency with which gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, or cephalothin was administered, or the mean predose and 1-h postdose plasma aminoglycoside levels. We conclude that furosemide use should not be considered a major risk factor for the development of aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity or auditory toxicity.