Furosemide
Loop diuretic · Cardiovascular
Generic name: Frusemide
Indications
- Acute pulmonary oedema
- Chronic heart failure
- Oedema
- Ascites
- Hypercalcaemia
Dosing
- Adult
- Oral: 20–80 mg OD; IV acute oedema: 40–80 mg (max 600 mg/day in RF)
- Paediatric
- 0.5–1.5 mg/kg/day (max 20 mg/day)
Routes
- Oral
- IV
- IM
Contraindications
- Anuria
- Hypovolaemia
- Comatose states with hepatic encephalopathy
Side effects
- Hypokalaemia
- Hyponatraemia
- Dehydration
- Ototoxicity (high-dose IV)
- Hyperuricaemia
Monitoring
- U&E before and after initiation
- Renal function
- Weight/fluid balance
Key interactions
- Aminoglycosides (ototoxicity)
- Digoxin (hypokalaemia increases toxicity)
- NSAIDs (loss of effect)
Reviewed by DocBuddy Clinical Team on . Written as a study aid for medical students. Always check a current local formulary before prescribing.
Practise the pharmacology
Questions on Furosemide and the rest of cardiovascular pharmacology are in the app, with the drug cards a tap away while you answer.