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.

Dose

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.

• Child: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg per injection.
• Adult: 20 to 40 mg per 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, and congestive heart failure.
• Closely monitor combination with digoxin.
• Pregnancy: contraindicated to treat hypertension in pregnancy.
• Breast-feeding: avoid.
• If doses greater than 50 mg are required, it is recommended that they be given by IV infusion.