What is Furosemide - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: November 21, 2018.

An anthranilic derivative and loop diuretic with antihypertensive effect. Furosemide blocks the Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC) in the luminal membrane of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidney, by binding to the Cl-binding site located in the cotransporter's transmembrane domain, thereby inhibiting reabsorption of sodium, chloride, potassium ions and water.
This agent reduces plasma and extracellular fluid volume, resulting in decreased blood pressure and cardiac output.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. September 15, 2009.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: November 21, 2018.

Adult
PO
Edema associated w/ heart failure - Initial: 40 mg/day, may reduce to 20 mg/day or 40 mg on alternate days. In some cases, 80 mg or more daily in divided doses.
HTN 40-80 mg/day, alone or in combination w/ other antihypertensives.

IM/IV
Edema associated w/ heart failure - 20-50 mg via IM or slow IV inj may increase by increments of 20 mg 2 hrly. Doses >50 mg must be given via slow IV infusion. Max: 1,500 mg/day.

IV
Acute pulmonary edema - 40 mg via slow inj over 1-2 min. If no adequate response w/in 1 hr, may increase to 80 mg via inj over 1-2 min.

Adverse drug reactions: hyponatremia, hypochloremic alkalosis, hypokalemia, headache, drowsiness, muscle cramps, hypotension, dry mouth, thirst, weakness, lethargy, restlessness, oliguria, GI disturbances, hypovolemia, dehydration, hyperuricemia.

Furosemide

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