Introduction

Name

• Furosemide.

Class of drug

• Loop diuretic.

Description

Chemical name

• 5-(aminosulfonyl)-4-chloro-2-[(2-furanylmethyl)amino]benzoic acid.
• 4-chloro-N-furfuryl-5-sulfamoylanthranilic acid.

Molecular formula

• C12H11ClN2O5S.

Physical properties

• Solution.

Storage requirements

• <25°C.
• Protect from light.
•  Use or discard drug within 28 days of withdrawl of first dose.

Uses

Indications

• Used to decrease edema in conditions such as:
  • Cardiovascular and pulmonary edema.
  • Hepatic and renal dysfunction.
  • Hydrothorax.
  • Ascites.
  • Non-specific edema.
• Is a venodilator when administered as an IV injection.

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Interactions

With other drugs

• The majority of drugs listed will not be used in general practice & may not be licensed, however may be used in hospital/ referral settings. Please check specific product information and comply with local rules.
  • Acetazolamide - increased risk of hypokalemia with loop and thiazide diuretics.
  • Aminoglycosides - enhanced ototoxicity with loop diuretics.
  • Antidiabetic drugs - antagonism of hypoglycemic effect with loop and thiazide diuretics.
  • Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs - increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in the presence of hypokalemia.
  • Cardiac glycosides - increased toxicity if hypokalemia occurs; enhanced effect of digoxin.
  • Cephalosporins - increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
  • Corticosteroids and corticotropin - antagonism of diuretic effect; increased risk of hypokalemia with loop and thiazide diuretics.
  • Lidocaine - lidocaine effect antagonized by hypokalemia Hypokalemia syndrome with loop and thiazide diuretics.
  • NSAIDs - antagonism of diuretic effect Anti-inflammatory drugs: overview.
  • Estrogens - antagonism of diuretic effect.
  • Quinidine - toxicity of quinidine is increased by hypokalemia with loop and thiazide diuretics.
  • Sulfonamides - increased risk of sulfonamide allergy.

Withdrawal Period

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• The Veterinary Formulary (2005) 6th edn. Ed: Bishop Y. Published in association with the British Veterinary Association.
• NOAH compendium of datasheets.