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Generic Name
Brand Name
Classification

Furosemide
Apo-Furosemide (CAN),
Furosemide Special (CAN),
Lasix
Loop diuretic

Action

Furosemide inhibits reabsorption of Na and chloride mainly in the

medullary portion of the ascending Loop of Henle. Excretion of
potassium and ammonia is also increased while uric acid excretion
is reduced. It increases plasma-renin levels and secondary
hyperaldosteronism may result. Furosemide reduces BP in
hypertensives as well as in normotensives. It also reduces
pulmonary oedema before diuresis has set in.

Dosage

Tablets20, 40, 80 mg; oral solution10 mg/mL, 40 mg/5 mL;

injection10 mg/mL

Indication

Oral, IV: Edema associated with CHF, cirrhosis, renal disease

IV: Acute pulmonary edema
Oral: Hypertension
Severe sodium and water depletion, hypersensitivity to
sulphonamides and furosemide, hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia,
precomatose states associated with liver cirrhosis, anuria or renal
failure.
Addisons disease.

Contraindicatio
n

Side effects

Drug
interactions

Nursing
responsibilities

Fluid and electrolyte imbalance.

Rashes, photosensitivity, nausea, diarrhoea, blurred vision,
dizziness, headache, hypotension. Bone marrow depression (rare),
hepatic dysfunction.
Hyperglycaemia, glycosuria, ototoxicity.
Potentially Fatal: Rarely, sudden death and cardiac arrest.
Hypokalaemia and magnesium depletion can cause cardiac
arrhythmias.
LASIX may increase the ototoxic potential of aminoglycoside
antibiotics, especially in the presence of impaired renal function.
Except in life-threatening situations, avoid this combination.
LASIX should not be used concomitantly with ethacrynic acid
because of the possibility of ototoxicity. Patients receiving high
doses of salicylates concomitantly with LASIX, as in rheumatic
disease, may experience salicylate toxicity at lower doses because of
competitive renal excretory sites.
1. Reduce dosage if given with other antihypertensives; readjust
dosage gradually as BP responds.
2. Administer with food or milk to prevent GI upset.
3. Give early in the day so that increased urination will not disturb
sleep.
4. Avoid IV use if oral use is at all possible.
5. Do not expose to light, may discolor tablets or solution; do not
use discolored drug or solutions.
6. Discard diluted solution after 24 hr.
7. Refrigerate oral solution.
8. Measure and record weight to monitor fluid changes.
9. Arrange to monitor serum electrolytes, hydration, liver and renal
function.
10. Arrange for potassium-rich diet or supplemental potassium as
needed.
11. Blood glucose levels may become temporarily elevated in
patients with diabetes after starting this drug.