Furosemide 10mg/ml Inj, 4ml

Manufacturer HOSPIRA Active Ingredient Furosemide Injection(fyoor OH se mide) Pronunciation fyoor OH se mide
WARNING: This drug is a strong fluid-lowering drug (diuretic). Sometimes too much water and electrolytes (like potassium) in the blood may be lost. This can lead to severe health problems. Your doctor will follow you closely to change the dose to match your body's needs. @ COMMON USES: It is used to get rid of extra fluid.
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Drug Class
Loop Diuretic
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Pharmacologic Class
Sulfonamide-derived Loop Diuretic
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Pregnancy Category
Category C
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FDA Approved
Jun 1966
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Furosemide is a strong 'water pill' (diuretic) that helps your body get rid of extra salt and water. This helps to reduce swelling (edema) and can lower blood pressure. It works by making your kidneys remove more water and salt through your urine.
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How to Use This Medicine

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and carefully read all accompanying information. Take this medication exactly as directed, and adhere to all provided guidelines. This medication is administered via injection into a muscle or vein.

For storage and disposal, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the best approach if you need to keep this medication at home.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor promptly to receive guidance on the appropriate course of action.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Follow your doctor's instructions regarding fluid intake and dietary salt restriction.
  • Report any signs of dehydration (e.g., extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness) or electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat).
  • Avoid sudden changes in position (e.g., standing up quickly) to prevent dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Protect yourself from sun exposure as furosemide can increase sun sensitivity.
  • If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely as furosemide may affect it.

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Edema: 20-40 mg IV/IM once, may repeat in 1-2 hours with 20 mg increments until desired diuresis. Acute Pulmonary Edema: 40 mg IV slowly over 1-2 minutes, if response is not satisfactory within 1 hour, dose may be increased to 80 mg IV.
Dose Range: 20 - 600 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

severeEdema: Up to 600 mg/day in divided doses, or continuous infusion 0.1 mg/min, titrated up to 0.4 mg/min.
acuteRenalFailure: Initial 100-200 mg IV over 1-2 minutes, then 100 mg/hr continuous infusion, max 400 mg/hr.
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: 1 mg/kg IV/IM once or twice daily. Max 2 mg/kg/dose.
Infant: 1 mg/kg IV/IM once or twice daily. Max 6 mg/kg/day.
Child: 1 mg/kg IV/IM once or twice daily. Max 6 mg/kg/day.
Adolescent: 1 mg/kg IV/IM once or twice daily. Max 6 mg/kg/day (or adult dose if appropriate).
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment needed, monitor response.
Moderate: Monitor closely, may require higher doses or more frequent administration to achieve desired effect. Max 40 mg/dose in some cases.
Severe: Use with caution. Higher doses may be required (e.g., 80-160 mg IV). Consider continuous infusion. Contraindicated in anuria.
Dialysis: Not dialyzable. Administer after dialysis. Monitor fluid status and electrolytes closely.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment.
Moderate: Use with caution due to risk of hepatic coma. Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance closely.
Severe: Use with extreme caution. Reduced doses may be necessary. Increased risk of hepatic encephalopathy and electrolyte imbalance. Avoid if possible.

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. This inhibition prevents the reabsorption of sodium, potassium, and chloride, leading to increased excretion of water, sodium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium. It also has a direct vasodilatory effect on renal vasculature, increasing renal blood flow.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: 100% (IV/IM)
Tmax: Within minutes (IV), 30 minutes (IM)
FoodEffect: Not applicable for IV/IM

Distribution:

Vd: 0.1-0.2 L/kg
ProteinBinding: 91-99% (primarily to albumin)
CnssPenetration: Limited

Elimination:

HalfLife: 0.5-2 hours (normal renal function), prolonged in renal impairment
Clearance: 60-100 mL/min (renal), 120-150 mL/min (total)
ExcretionRoute: Renal (primarily unchanged), some biliary/fecal
Unchanged: 60-80% (renal excretion)
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Within 5 minutes (IV), 30 minutes (IM)
PeakEffect: 20-60 minutes (IV), 1-2 hours (IM)
DurationOfAction: 2 hours (IV), 4-8 hours (IM)

Safety & Warnings

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BLACK BOX WARNING

Furosemide is a potent diuretic which, if given in excessive amounts, can lead to a profound diuresis with water and electrolyte depletion. Therefore, careful medical supervision is required and dosing must be individualized and adjusted to the patient's needs.
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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching or red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems, including:
+ Mood changes or confusion
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Abnormal or rapid heartbeat
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Increased thirst or seizures
+ Feeling extremely tired or weak
+ Decreased appetite or inability to urinate
+ Changes in urine production or dry mouth and eyes
+ Severe stomach upset or vomiting
Signs of liver problems, such as:
+ Dark urine
+ Fatigue or decreased appetite
+ Stomach pain or upset
+ Light-colored stools or vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
Signs of kidney problems, including:
+ Inability to urinate or changes in urine production
+ Blood in the urine or significant weight gain
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problems), such as:
+ Severe stomach or back pain
+ Severe stomach upset or vomiting
Severe dizziness or fainting
Abnormal burning, numbness, or tingling sensations
Blurred vision
Restlessness
Severe skin reactions, including:
+ Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
+ Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
+ Other serious reactions that may affect body organs and be life-threatening
+ Symptoms may include: red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin; fever; chills; body aches; shortness of breath; or swollen glands

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug may cause side effects in some people. While many individuals may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:

Dizziness or headache
Constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset, vomiting, or decreased appetite
* Stomach cramps

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Severe dizziness or fainting
  • Extreme thirst or dry mouth
  • Muscle cramps or weakness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Confusion
  • Decreased urination or no urination
  • Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
  • Skin rash or itching
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you have difficulty urinating.
If you are dehydrated or have electrolyte imbalances.
If you have a history of liver problems or low blood pressure.

Additionally, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
Chloral hydrate
Ethacrynic acid
* Lithium

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. It is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help ensure that it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions.

Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
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Precautions & Cautions

Important Warnings and Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

To ensure your safety, avoid driving and other activities that require alertness until you understand how this medication affects you. When changing positions, rise slowly from sitting or lying down to minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting. Be cautious when using stairs.

If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Be aware of signs of high blood sugar, such as confusion, drowsiness, increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath. Report these symptoms to your doctor.

If you follow a low-salt or salt-free diet, consult your doctor. Additionally, if you have high blood pressure and are taking this medication, discuss the use of over-the-counter (OTC) products that may increase blood pressure with your doctor. These products include cough and cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and certain natural products or aids.

Regularly check your blood pressure as instructed by your doctor. Also, have your blood work checked as directed by your doctor and discuss the results with them.

Be aware that this medication may cause increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you have high cholesterol or triglycerides, consult your doctor. You may require additional potassium supplements; discuss this with your doctor.

Before using alcohol, marijuana or other cannabis products, or prescription or OTC medications that may cause drowsiness, consult your doctor.

This medication may increase your risk of sunburn. Take precautions when exposed to the sun, and inform your doctor if you experience easy sunburning while taking this medication.

Monitor yourself for gout attacks. If you have lupus, this medication may exacerbate your condition or cause a flare-up. Immediately report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Hearing problems, including decreased hearing or hearing loss, have been associated with this medication. These effects may be temporary or permanent. If you experience ringing in the ears, changes in your hearing, or a feeling of fullness in your ears, contact your doctor promptly.

Low blood cell counts have been reported with this medication, which can increase the risk of bleeding, infections, or anemia. If you experience signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat), unexplained bruising or bleeding, or feel extremely tired or weak, contact your doctor immediately.

If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Profound diuresis (excessive urination)
  • Severe dehydration
  • Electrolyte depletion (especially hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia)
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Cardiovascular collapse
  • Thrombosis and embolism (due to hemoconcentration)
  • Acute renal failure
  • Lethargy, confusion, coma

What to Do:

Seek immediate medical attention. Management is primarily supportive, including fluid and electrolyte replacement. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).

Drug Interactions

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Contraindicated Interactions

  • Anuria
  • Hepatic coma or precoma (if electrolyte depletion is present)
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Major Interactions

  • Aminoglycosides (increased ototoxicity)
  • Ethacrynic acid (increased ototoxicity)
  • Lithium (decreased renal clearance of lithium, leading to toxicity)
  • NSAIDs (may reduce diuretic and antihypertensive effects, risk of renal impairment)
  • Chloral hydrate (flushing, sweating, blood pressure changes)
  • Cisplatin (increased ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity)
  • Phenytoin (reduced diuretic effect of furosemide)
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Moderate Interactions

  • ACE inhibitors/ARBs (risk of severe hypotension and renal impairment, especially with initial doses)
  • Corticosteroids (increased risk of hypokalemia)
  • Digoxin (increased risk of digoxin toxicity due to hypokalemia)
  • Hypotensive agents (additive hypotensive effects)
  • Neuromuscular blockers (potentiated effect due to electrolyte imbalance)
  • Sucralfate (reduced absorption of furosemide if given concurrently)
  • Probenecid (reduced renal clearance of furosemide)
  • Salicylates (reduced renal excretion of salicylates, increased risk of toxicity)
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Minor Interactions

  • Antidiabetic agents (may decrease hypoglycemic effect)
  • Theophylline (may alter clearance)

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Serum Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, Mg, Ca)

Rationale: To establish baseline and identify pre-existing imbalances, as furosemide can cause significant electrolyte disturbances.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Renal Function (BUN, Serum Creatinine)

Rationale: To assess baseline kidney function, which influences dosing and risk of adverse effects.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Blood Pressure

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for hypotension.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Fluid Status (Weight, Edema, Urine Output)

Rationale: To assess baseline hydration and severity of fluid overload.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

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Routine Monitoring

Serum Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, Mg, Ca)

Frequency: Daily initially, then 1-3 times weekly, or as clinically indicated based on patient condition and dose.

Target: Within normal limits (e.g., K: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L)

Action Threshold: Significant deviations (e.g., K < 3.0 mEq/L or > 5.5 mEq/L), symptomatic electrolyte imbalance.

Renal Function (BUN, Serum Creatinine)

Frequency: Weekly or as clinically indicated, especially with dose changes or concurrent nephrotoxic drugs.

Target: Stable or improving

Action Threshold: Significant increase in BUN/Cr, signs of acute kidney injury.

Blood Pressure

Frequency: Daily or multiple times daily during acute phase, then regularly.

Target: Individualized, avoid symptomatic hypotension.

Action Threshold: Symptomatic hypotension, systolic BP < 90 mmHg or significant drop from baseline.

Fluid Status (Weight, Urine Output, Edema)

Frequency: Daily (weight, urine output), ongoing clinical assessment.

Target: Gradual weight loss (0.5-1 kg/day), adequate urine output.

Action Threshold: Excessive weight loss (>1-2 kg/day), signs of dehydration, oliguria/anuria.

Blood Glucose

Frequency: Periodically, especially in diabetic patients.

Target: Within target range for diabetes.

Action Threshold: Significant hyperglycemia.

Uric Acid

Frequency: Periodically, especially in patients with gout or predisposition.

Target: Within normal limits or controlled.

Action Threshold: Significant hyperuricemia, acute gout attack.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, thirst, decreased skin turgor, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion)
  • Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance (muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, irregular heart beat, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures)
  • Ototoxicity (tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo)
  • Hypotension (dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope)
  • Gout flares (joint pain, swelling, redness)
  • Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Furosemide can cause fetal or neonatal jaundice, thrombocytopenia, and other adverse reactions seen in adults. In animal studies, furosemide caused maternal deaths and abortions at high doses.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Potential for adverse effects, but human data are limited. Avoid if safer alternatives exist.
Second Trimester: Risk of electrolyte imbalance and potential for fetal effects (e.g., growth restriction, electrolyte disturbances).
Third Trimester: Risk of electrolyte imbalance in mother and fetus, potential for neonatal jaundice, thrombocytopenia, and other adverse reactions.
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Lactation

Furosemide is excreted in breast milk. It may inhibit lactation. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Infant Risk: Low risk of adverse effects in breastfed infants, but monitor for dehydration, electrolyte imbalance. Potential for suppression of lactation.
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Pediatric Use

Use with caution. Neonates, especially premature infants, may have prolonged half-life and increased sensitivity to effects. Risk of nephrocalcinosis/nephrolithiasis, especially in premature infants. Close monitoring of fluid and electrolytes is crucial.

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Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of furosemide, particularly hypotension and electrolyte disturbances. Start with lower doses and titrate carefully. Increased risk of dehydration and falls.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • Furosemide is a potent diuretic; always start with the lowest effective dose and titrate carefully.
  • Administer IV furosemide slowly (over 1-2 minutes) to minimize the risk of ototoxicity, especially with higher doses or in patients with renal impairment.
  • Monitor electrolytes (especially potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium) frequently, as imbalances are common and can be severe.
  • Consider potassium supplementation or co-administration with a potassium-sparing diuretic to prevent hypokalemia.
  • Be vigilant for signs of dehydration and orthostatic hypotension, particularly in elderly patients or those on concomitant antihypertensives.
  • Furosemide can cause photosensitivity; advise patients to use sun protection.
  • In patients with severe renal impairment, higher doses may be needed, but monitor for ototoxicity and ensure no anuria is present.
  • Avoid concurrent use with aminoglycosides due to increased risk of ototoxicity.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Bumetanide (another loop diuretic, often more potent on a mg-for-mg basis)
  • Torsemide (another loop diuretic, longer half-life)
  • Ethacrynic acid (loop diuretic, used in patients with sulfonamide allergy)
  • Hydrochlorothiazide (thiazide diuretic, less potent, different site of action)
  • Metolazone (thiazide-like diuretic, often used in combination with loop diuretics for refractory edema)
  • Spironolactone (potassium-sparing diuretic, often used in combination)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Varies widely, typically $5 - $20 per 4ml vial (10mg/ml)
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 1 (Generic)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed for someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional, do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain. If you are unsure about the proper disposal method, consult your pharmacist, who can also inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, which your pharmacist can provide. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken to ensure prompt and effective treatment.