Furosemide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Brands | MedexInfo

Furosemide

Rx / Diuretic

Generic NameFurosemide

Therapeutic ClassLoop Diuretic

RouteOral / IV / IM

Max / 24h600 mg

PregnancyUse only if benefit outweighs risk

Indications ▼

Edema associated with congestive heart failure

Edema due to renal disease (nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure)

Edema associated with liver cirrhosis

Hypertension (alone or in combination therapy)

Acute pulmonary edema

Hypercalcemia (as part of treatment)

Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼

Mechanism: Inhibits the Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl⁻ symporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, increasing excretion of sodium, chloride, and water. Leads to potent diuresis and reduction in plasma volume.

Pharmacokinetics: Rapidly absorbed orally; onset 30–60 min (oral), 5 min (IV). Peak plasma concentration: 1–2 h oral, immediate IV. Protein binding 95%. Half-life: 2 hours. Primarily excreted unchanged in urine; dose adjustment required in renal impairment.

Dosage & Administration ▼

Indication	Dose	Frequency
Edema (Adult, Oral)	20–80 mg	Once daily; may repeat every 6–8h if needed
Edema (Adult, IV)	20–40 mg	IV over 1–2 min; repeat as needed
Hypertension (Adult, Oral)	40 mg	Once daily; adjust as needed
Acute Pulmonary Edema (IV)	40 mg	IV bolus; may repeat 1–2 times if needed

Note: Administer IV slowly to avoid ototoxicity. Monitor electrolytes, renal function, and blood pressure during therapy.

Side Effects ▼

Hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia

Dehydration, hypotension

Headache, dizziness

Ototoxicity (high IV doses or rapid injection)

Rare: Hyperuricemia, allergic reactions

Contraindications ▼

Hypersensitivity to furosemide or sulfonamides

Anuria

Severe electrolyte depletion (without correction)

Hypotension (severe or uncontrolled)

Drug Interaction ▼

Other antihypertensives: additive hypotension

Digoxin: risk of arrhythmias with hypokalemia

NSAIDs: may reduce diuretic effect

Aminoglycosides: increased ototoxicity risk

Pregnancy & Lactation ▼

Use only if benefit outweighs risk (Category C)

Excreted in breast milk; caution advised

Clinical / Research Summary ▼

Therapeutic Role: Potent loop diuretic for rapid mobilization of edema and control of blood pressure.

Clinical Effectiveness: Rapid diuresis in heart failure, liver cirrhosis, renal disease; effective in lowering blood pressure as adjunct therapy.

Safety Profile: Generally safe if monitored; electrolyte disturbances and dehydration are main concerns. Ototoxicity rare but dose-dependent.

Current Research: Focus on optimal dosing in renal impairment, combination therapy for resistant edema, and cardiovascular outcomes.

Patient Counseling Points ▼

Take in the morning to prevent nocturia

Monitor weight, blood pressure, and fluid status regularly

Maintain adequate potassium intake; report muscle cramps or weakness

Report dizziness, fainting, or hearing changes

Storage & Handling ▼

Store below 25°C

Protect from moisture and light

Keep out of reach of children

Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼

Bangladesh:

Frusin® 40 mg Frudema® 40 mg Frunep® 250 mg Frusin® 20 mg/5 ml Frusin® 20 mg Inj Fusid® 40 mg Fusid® 20 mg Inj G‑Furosemide® 40 mg Lasix® 40 mg Lasix® 20 mg Inj Trofurit® 40 mg Trofurit® 20 mg Inj Wataris® 40 mg

Global:

Lasix Furosemide

Medical Disclaimer: Educational purpose only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reference Hubs:

• Drug Class: Diuretics • Condition: Edema • Condition: Hypertension