lasix

LASIX®
Furosemide
Diuretic

Action And Clinical Pharmacology: Animal experiments using stop-flow and micropuncture techniques have demonstrated that furosemide inhibits sodium reabsorption in the ascending limb of Henle's loop as well as in both proximal and distal tubules. The action of furosemide on the distal tubule is independent of any inhibitory effect on carbonic anhydrase or aldosterone. Furosemide may promote diuresis in cases which have previously proved resistant to other diuretics. Furosemide has no significant pharmacological effects other than on renal function. Absorption, Metabolism and Excretion: In man, furosemide is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The diuretic effect of furosemide is apparent within 1 hour following oral administration and the peak effect occurs in the first or second hour. The duration of action is 4 to 6 hours but may continue up to 8 hours. Following i.v. administration of the drug, the diuresis occurs within 30 minutes and the duration of action is about 2 hours. Urinary excretion is accomplished both by glomerular filtration and proximal tubular secretion, together this accounts for roughly only 2/3 of the ingested dose, the remainder being excreted in the feces. A small fraction is metabolized by cleavage of the side chain. Indications And Clinical Uses: The treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and renal disease, including nephrotic syndrome as well as other edematous states amenable to diuretic therapy. Furosemide can also be used alone in the control of mild to moderate hypertension or in combination with other antihypertensive agents in the treatment of more severe cases. Hypertensive patients who cannot be adequately controlled with thiazides will probably also not be adequately controllable with furosemide alone. Parenteral furosemide is indicated when a rapid onset and an intense diuresis is desired e.g., acute pulmonary edema, cerebral edema. Parenteral furosemide is also indicated when oral therapy is precluded because of interference with intestinal absorption or for other reasons. Parenteral furosemide, by virtue of its therapeutic indications, will be generally administered to patients in hospital or outpatient clinics. However, in case of emergency where parenteral furosemide is administered outside this setting, the recommended dosage should be closely adhered to and the patient kept under close observation. Contra-Indications: Complete renal shutdown. If increasing azotemia and oliguria occur during treatment of severe progressive renal disease, the drug should be discontinued. Therapy with furosemide should not be initiated in patients with hepatic coma and precoma or in states of electrolyte depletion until the basic condition is improved or corrected. Severe hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypovolemia or hypotension must be regarded as contraindications until serum electrolytes and fluid balance and blood pressure have been restored to normal levels. Furosemide is also contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to this compound. As furosemide may be capable of displacing bilirubin from albumin at least in vitro, it should not be administered to jaundiced newborn infants or to infants suffering from diseases (e.g., Rh incompatibility, familial non-hemolytic jaundice, etc.) with the potential of causing hyperbilirubinemia and possibly kernicterus. Manufacturers' Warnings In Clinical States: 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 dose and dose schedule have to be adjusted to the individual patient's needs (see Dosage). Cases of tinnitus and reversible deafness have been reported. There have also been some reports of cases, the majority in children undergoing renal transplantation, in which permanent deafness has occurred. In these latter cases, the onset of deafness was usually insidious and gradually progressive up to 6 months after furosemide therapy. Hearing impairment is more likely to occur in patients with severely reduced renal function who are given large doses of furosemide parenterally, at a rate exceeding 4 mg/min or in patients who are also receiving drugs known to be ototoxic. Sulfonamide diuretics have been reported to decrease arterial responsiveness to pressor amines and to enhance the effect of tubocurarine. Great caution should be exercised in administering curare or its derivatives to patients undergoing therapy with furosemide and it is advisable to discontinue furosemide for 1 week prior to any elective surgery. Pregnancy: The teratogenic and embryotoxic potential of furosemide in humans is unknown. The drug should not be used in pregnant women or in women of childbearing potential unless in the opinion of the attending physician the benefits to the patient outweigh the possible risk to the fetus. Lactation: It should be noted that diuretics may partially inhibit lactation and that furosemide passes into the breast milk. Precautions: General: During long-term therapy a high-potassium diet is recommended. Potassium supplements may be required especially when high doses are used for prolonged periods. Particular caution with potassium levels is necessary when the patient is on digitalis glycosides, potassium-depleting steroids, or in the case of infants and children. Potassium supplementation, diminution in dose, or discontinuation of furosemide therapy may be required. Since rigid sodium restriction is conducive to both hyponatremia and hypokalemia, strict restriction in sodium intake is not advisable in patients receiving furosemide therapy. Furosemide parenteral administered in doses up to 100 mg should be injected slowly (1 to 2 minutes) when the i.v. route is used. Furosemide may lower the state of patient alertness and/or reactivity particularly at the start of treatment, as a result of a reduction in blood pressure and of other adverse reactions. (see Adverse Effects). Geriatrics: Excessive diuresis induced by furosemide may result in dehydration and reduction of blood volume, with circulatory collapse and with the possibility of vascular thrombosis and embolism particularly in elderly patients. Furosemide may cause electrolyte depletion. Children: In children, urge to defecate, complaints of abdominal pain and cramping have been reported after i.v. furosemide. An association of these symptoms with a low serum calcium and/or a low calcium:protein ratio is possible. Calcium levels should be monitored when children are to receive i.v. furosemide for durations longer than a few days. Furosemide may lower serum calcium levels, and rare cases of tetany have been reported. Accordingly, periodic serum calcium concentrations should be obtained. Special Diseases and Conditions: Increases in blood glucose and alterations in glucose tolerance tests with abnormalities of the fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood sugar levels have been observed. Rare cases of precipitation of diabetes mellitus have been reported. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia can occur and gout may rarely be precipitated. It may be advisable to hospitalize patients with hepatic cirrhosis and ascites prior to initiating therapy. Sudden alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance in patients with cirrhosis may precipitate hepatic coma; therefore, strict observation is necessary during the period of diuresis. Supplemental potassium chloride and, if required, an aldosterone antagonist, are helpful in preventing hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Laboratory Tests: Frequent serum electrolyte and CO2 content determinations should be performed during the first few months of therapy and periodically thereafter. It is essential to replace electrolyte losses and to maintain fluid balance so as to avoid any risk of electrolyte depletion (hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia or hypocalcemia), hypovolemia, or hypotension. Checks on urine and blood glucose should be made at regular intervals especially in diabetics and in those suspected of latent diabetes when receiving furosemide. Increases in blood glucose and alterations in glucose tolerance tests with abnormalities of the fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood sugar levels have been observed. Frequent BUN determinations during the first few months of therapy and periodically thereafter, as well as regular observations for possible occurrences of blood dyscrasias, liver damage or idiosyncratic reactions are advisable. Drug Interactions: Sulfonamide diuretics have been reported to decrease arterial responsiveness to pressor amines and to enhance the effect of tubocurarine or curare-type muscle relaxants. In edematous hypertensive patients being treated with antihypertensive agents, care should be taken to reduce the dose of these drugs when furosemide is administered, since furosemide potentiates their hypotensive effect. Especially in combination with ACE inhibitors, a marked hypotension may be seen sometimes progressing to shock. The concomitant administration of furosemide with ACE inhibitors may lead to deterioration in renal function and, in isolated cases, to acute renal failure. Since furosemide is a sulfonamide derivative, it should be used with caution in patients with known sulfonamide sensitivity. In case of concomitant abuse of laxatives, the risk of an increased potassium loss should be considered. Glucocorticoids, carbenoxolone and licorice may also increase potassium loss. It has been reported in the literature that diuretics such as furosemide may enhance the nephrotoxicity of cephaloridine. Therefore the simultaneous administration of both drugs is not advisable. Administration of furosemide to diabetic patients may result in possible decrease of diabetic control. Dosage adjustments of the anti-diabetic agent may be needed. Renal clearance of lithium is decreased in patients receiving furosemide, and lithium toxicity may result. Concurrent administration of furosemide and sucralfate should be avoided, as sucralfate reduces the absorption of furosemide and hence weakens its effect. Patients receiving high doses of salicylates in conjunction with furosemide may experience salicylate toxicity at lower doses because of competition for renal excretory sites. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., indomethacin, acetylsalicylic acid) may attenuate the effect of furosemide and may cause renal failure in case of pre-existing hypovolemia. Probenecid and anticonvulsant drugs (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital) may also attenuate the effect of furosemide. Clinical studies have shown that the administration of indomethacin can reduce the natriuretic and antihypertensive effect of furosemide in some patients. This response has been attributed to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by indomethacin. Therefore, when indomethacin is added to the treatment of a patient receiving furosemide or furosemide is added to the treatment of a patient receiving indomethacin, the patient should be closely observed to determine if the desired effect of furosemide is obtained. Indomethacin blocks the furosemide-induced increase in plasma-renin activity. This fact should be kept in mind when evaluating plasma-renin activity in hypertensive patients. Hearing impairment is more likely to occur in patients who are also receiving drugs known to be ototoxic (e.g., aminoglycosides antibiotics, ethacrynic acid and cisplatin) (see Warnings). Administration of furosemide i.v. within 24 hours after the ingestion of chloral hydrate has caused the sensation of heat, sweating, restlessness, nausea, rise in blood pressure and tachycardia in isolated cases. Pediatrics: Renal calcifications (nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis), from barely visible on x-ray to staghorn, have occurred in some severely premature infants treated with furosemide i.v. for edema due to patent ductus arteriosus and hyaline membrane disease. The concurrent use of chlorothiazide has been reported to decrease hypercalciuria and to dissolve some calculi. When administered to premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome in the first few weeks of life, diuretic treatment with furosemide may accentuate the risk of a patent ductus arteriosus. Adverse Reactions: Adverse reactions are categorized by body system: Metabolic: Electrolyte depletion has occurred during therapy with furosemide, especially in patients receiving higher doses with a restricted salt intake. Electrolyte depletion manifests itself by adverse reactions attributed to various body systems: weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, polyuria, polydipsia, orthostatic hypotension, lethargy, leg cramps, sweating, bladder spasms, anorexia, vomiting, mental confusion and meteorism (see Precautions). Transient elevations of BUN have been observed, especially in patients with renal insufficiency. As with other diuretics, there may be a transient rise in serum creatinine, uric acid (this may lead to gout attack in predisposed patients), cholesterol and triglyceride levels during furosemide treatment. Treatment with furosemide has occasionally caused some deterioration in cases of manifest diabetes, or has made latent diabetes manifest. Pre-existing metabolic alkalosis (e.g., in decompensated cirrhosis of the liver) may be aggravated. Cardiovascular: Too vigorous diuresis may induce orthostatic hypotension or acute hypotensive episodes. In extreme cases, hypovolemia may lead to dehydration, circulatory collapse and thrombophilia. Thrombophlebitis and emboli have been reported. CNS and Special Senses: At the commencement of treatment, excessive diuresis may give rise, especially in elderly patients, to a feeling of pressure in the head, dizziness, dryness of the mouth or blurring of vision. Paresthesia, vertigo, and xanthopsia have been reported. Cases of tinnitus and reversible deafness have been reported. There have also been some reports of cases, the majority in children undergoing renal transplantation, in which permanent deafness has occurred. In these latter cases, the onset of deafness is usually insidious and gradually progressive up to 6 months after furosemide therapy. Hearing impairment is more likely to occur in patients with severely reduced renal function who are given large doses of furosemide parenterally, at a rate exceeding 4 mg/min or in patients who are also receiving drugs known to be ototoxic (see Warnings). Dermatologic and Hypersensitivity: Various forms of dermatitis, including urticaria, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, pruritus and epidermolysis bullosa have occurred. Dermatologic and hypersensitivity reactions to furosemide also include purpura, photosensitivity, rash. Systemic hypersensitivity reactions include vasculitis, interstitial nephritis and necrotizing angiitis. Anaphylactic shock is rare and can occur with the i.v. administration of furosemide. Hematologic: Anemia, eosinophilia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia (with purpura) have occurred, as well as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia and hemolytic anemia. Urogenital: Symptoms of obstructed micturition (e.g., in hydronephrosis, prostatic hypertrophy, ureterostenosis) may become manifest or may be aggravated during medication with diuretics. Gastrointestinal: In children, urge to defecate, complaints of abdominal pain and cramping have been reported after furosemide i.v. (see Precautions). Pancreatitis, anorexia, jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice) oral and gastric burning, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and constipation have been reported. Rare occurrences of sweet taste have been reported. Other: In addition, the following adverse reactions have been reported: transient pain at injection site following i.m. injection and paradoxical swelling. Symptoms And Treatment Of Overdose: Symptoms: Dehydration, electrolyte depletion and hypotension may be caused by overdosage or accidental ingestion. In cirrhotic patients, overdosage may precipitate hepatic coma. tag_Treatment Treatment: The drug should be discontinued and appropriate corrective treatment applied: replacement of excessive fluid and electrolyte losses; serum electrolytes, carbon dioxide level and blood pressure should be determined frequently. Adequate drainage must be assured in patients with urinary bladder outlet obstruction (such as prostatic hypertrophy). Dosage And Administration: Adults: Oral: Edema: The usual initial dose is 40 to 80 mg. Ordinarily a prompt diuresis ensues and the starting dose can then be maintained or even reduced. If a satisfactory diuresis has not occurred within 6 hours, succeeding doses should be increased by increments of 20 to 40 mg, if necessary. Maximum daily dose: 200 mg. Once the effective single dose has been determined, it may be repeated 1 to 3 times a day. The mobilization of edema may be most efficiently and safely accomplished by utilizing an intermittent dosage schedule in which furosemide is given for 2 to 4 consecutive days each week. With doses exceeding 120 mg/day, careful clinical and laboratory observations are particularly advisable. Hypertension: A dosage schedule of 20 to 40 mg twice daily is recommended. Individualized therapy is of great importance. Careful observations for changes in blood pressure must be made when furosemide is used with other antihypertensive drugs, especially during initial therapy. The dosage of other agents must be reduced by at least 50% as soon as furosemide is added to the regimen to prevent an excessive drop in blood pressure. As the blood pressure falls under the potentiating effect of furosemide, a further reduction in dosage, or even discontinuation of other antihypertensive drugs may be necessary. It is further recommended, if 40 mg twice daily does not lead to a clinically satisfactory response, to add other antihypertensive agents, rather than an increase in the dose of furosemide. Parenteral: Parenteral furosemide should not be added into the tubing of a running infusion solution. Edema: Usual initial dose is 20 to 40 mg injected as a single dose i.m. or i.v. I.V. injections should be given slowly over a period of 1 to 2 minutes. Ordinarily, a prompt diuresis ensues. If the diuretic response with a single dose of 20 to 40 mg is not satisfactory it may be increased by increments of 20 mg not sooner than 2 hours after the previous dose until the desired diuretic effect has been obtained. Maximum daily dose: 100 mg. Once the effective single dose has been determined, it should then be given once or twice daily. Parenteral therapy should be replaced by treatment with furosemide tablets as soon as this is practical. Acute Pulmonary Edema: The following schedule is recommended: 40 mg are to be slowly injected i.v. followed by another 40 mg i.v. 1 to 1.5 hours later if indicated by the patient's condition. Children: Oral and Parenteral: Therapy should be instituted in the hospital, in carefully selected patients, under close observation with frequent monitoring of serum electrolytes. Parenteral furosemide should not be added into the tubing of a running infusion solution. Orally or parenterally, the initial dose should be in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg body weight. The total daily dose (given in divided doses of 6 to 12 hours apart) should not exceed 2 mg/kg orally or 1 mg/kg parenterally. In the newborn and in premature babies, the daily dose should not exceed 1 mg/kg. An intermittent dosage schedule should be adopted as soon as possible using the minimum effective dose at the longest possible intervals. Particular caution with regard to potassium levels is always desirable when furosemide is used in infants and children. Availability And Storage: Oral Solution: Each mL of clear, yellowish-orange solution contains: furosemide 10 mg. Bottles of 25 mL (with calibrated dropper) and 120 mL (with calibrated spoon). Protect from light. Parenteral: Each mL of injectable sterile solution contains: 10 mg of furosemide pH: 9.1. Ampuls of 2 mL, boxes of 5 and 50; ampuls of 4 mL, boxes of 5 and 50. Multidose vials of 30 mL (nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol 9.0 mg/mL, edetate disodium, sodium chloride for isotonicity and sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment), cartons of 10. Tablets: 20 mg: Each white, round tablet (Code DLF) contains: furosemide 20 mg. Amber bottles of 300, boxes of 30. 40 mg: Each yellow, round, scored tablet (Code Lasix 40) contains: furosemide 40 mg. Amber bottles of 500, boxes of 30. 80 mg: Each yellow, flat, oblong tablet, scored both sides (Code DKF) contains: furosemide 80 mg. Amber bottles of 30 and 300. (Shown in Product Recognition Section