FUROSEMIDE injectable

Therapeutic action

• Diuretic

Indications

• Emergency treatment of:
  • Oedema caused by renal, hepatic or congestive heart failure
  • Hypertensive crisis (except that of pregnancy)
  • Pulmonary oedema

Forms and strengths, route of administration

• 20 mg in 2 ml ampoule (10 mg/ml) for IM or slow IV injection

Dosage

• Child: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/injection
• Adult: 20 to 40 mg/injection

Repeat after 2 hours if necessary.

For pulmonary oedema: if an initial IV injection of 40 mg does not produce a satisfactory response within one hour, the dose may be increased to 80 mg by slow IV injection.

Duration

• According to clinical response;
• If prolonged use is required, change to oral treatment 3 hours after the last injection.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not administer in other types of oedema, especially those due to kwashiorkor.
• Do not administer in case of hepatic encephalopathy.
• May cause: hypokalaemia, especially in cases of cirrhosis, denutrition, congestive heart failure.
• Closely monitor combination with digoxin (furosemide enhances toxicity of digoxin).
• Pregnancy: CONTRA-INDICATED to treat hypertension in pregnancy
• Breast-feeding: avoid (excreted in milk and may reduce milk production)

Remarks

• If doses greater than 50 mg are required, it is recommended that they be given by IV infusion.

Storage