Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: furosemide
BRAND NAME: Lasix
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Furosemide is a potent diuretic (water pill)
that is used to eliminate water and salt from the body. In the kidneys, salt
(composed of sodium and chloride), water, and other small molecules normally are
filtered out of the blood and into the tubules of the kidney. The filtered fluid
ultimately becomes urine. Most of the sodium, chloride and water that is
filtered out of the blood is reabsorbed into the blood before the filtered fluid
becomes urine and is eliminated from the body. Furosemide works by blocking the
absorption of sodium, chloride, and water from the filtered fluid in the kidney
tubules, causing a profound increase in the output of urine (diuresis). The
onset of action after oral administration is within one hour, and the diuresis
lasts about 6-8 hours. The onset of action after injection is five minutes and
the duration of diuresis is two hours. The diuretic effect of furosemide can
cause depletion of sodium, chloride, body water and other minerals. Therefore,
careful medical supervision is necessary during treatment. The FDA approved
furosemide in July 1982.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 20, 40, and 80mg. Oral solution: 10 mg/ml, 40
mg/5 ml. Injection: 10 mg/ml
STORAGE: Furosemide should be stored at room temperature in a light
resistant container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Furosemide is a powerful diuretic that is used to
treat excessive accumulation of fluid and/or swelling (edema) of the body caused
by heart failure,
cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, and the nephrotic syndrome.
It is sometimes used alone or in conjunction with other blood pressure pills to
treat high blood pressure.
DOSING: The usual starting oral dose for treatment of edema in adults
is 20-80 mg as a single dose. The same dose or an increased dose may be
administered 6-8 hours later. Doses may be increased 20-40 mg every 6-8 hours
until the desired effect occurs. The effective dose may be administered once or
twice daily. Some patients may require 600 mg daily. The starting oral dose for
children is 2 mg/kg. The starting dose may be increased by 1-2 mg/kg every 6
hours until the desired effect is achieved. Doses greater than 6 mg/kg are not
recommended. The recommended dose for treating hypertension is 40 mg twice
daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Administration of furosemide with aminoglycoside
antibiotics (for example, gentamicin) or [ethacrynic acid
(Edecrin) - another diuretic] may
cause hearing damage. Furosemide competes with
aspirin for elimination in the
urine by the kidneys. Concomitant use of furosemide and aspirin may, therefore,
lead to high blood levels of aspirin and aspirin toxicity. Furosemide also may
reduce excretion of lithium
(Eskalith, Lithobid) by the kidneys, causing increased blood levels of
lithium and possible side effects from lithium. Sucralfate
(Carafate) reduces the action of
furosemide by binding furosemide in the intestine and preventing its absorption
into the body. Ingestion of furosemide and sucralfate should be separated by two
hours.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of furosemide in
pregnant
women.
NURSING MOTHERS: Furosemide is secreted in breast milk. Nursing
mothers should avoid breastfeeding while taking furosemide.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects of furosemide include
low blood
pressure, dehydration and electrolyte depletion (for example, sodium,
potassium). Less common side effects include jaundice, ringing in the ears
(tinnitus), sensitivity to light (photophobia), rash, pancreatitis, nausea,
diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Increased blood sugar and uric acid
levels also may occur.
Last Editorial Review: 3/23/2009
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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- Congestive Heart Failure - Read about congestive heart failure symptoms like fatigue, abdomen, leg and ankle swelling, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, increased urination, nausea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
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