Furosemide (Diuretic)

Question 1

What is the brand name of Furosemide?

Answer 1

Lasix

Question 2

What dose tablets exist of Lasix?

Answer 2

20mg, 40mg, 80mg

Question 3

What strength oral solution exists for Furosemide?

Answer 3

10mg/mL & 40mg/5mL

Question 4

What strength injection exists for Lasix?

Answer 4

10mg/mL

Question 5

What is the FDA approved dosage for Lasix when being used for treatment of edema-associated congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and renal disease (including nephrotic syndrome)?

Answer 5

Oral: Initially 20-80mg per day in one or two doses with increase of 20-40mg increments every 6-8 weeks until desired diuresis occurs. Maintenance dosage range is 20-600mg (severe edema) per day in one or two doses

Parenteral: 20-40mg IM or IV (over 1-2 minutes). Increase dose by increments of 20mg no sooner than every 2 hours until desire diuresis occurs. This dose should then be given once or twice daily for maintenance.

Question 6

What dose of Furosemide is indicated when being used for treatment of HTN? (oral only)

Answer 6

40mg BID initially, then adjust dose according to response

Question 7

What dose of Lasix is indicated when ebbing used for treatment of acute pulmonary edema? (IV only)

Answer 7

40mg IV (over 1-2 minutes). May increase after one hour to 80mg IV (over 1-2 minutes)

Question 8

What should the providers monitor when their patient is on Furosemide?

Answer 8

Potassium

Question 9

What is the mechanism of action for Lasix?

Answer 9

It is a loop diuretic which inhibits reabsorption of sodium & chloride in the proximal and distal tubules.

Question 10

What are the drug interactions of furosemide?

Answer 10

• Auditory toxicity occurs when used with cisplatin or AMINOGLYCOSIDES
• Effects may be reduced by phenytoin and non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents
• Hypokalemia may potentiate DIGITALIS-induce arrhythmias
• Additive hypokalemic effects may occur with other potassium-depleting drugs

Question 11

What are the contraindications of Furosemide?

Answer 11

• Contraindicated in patients with anuria
• Use with caution in patients with hepatic coma, severe electrolyte depletion, hypersensitivity to sulfonamides, cirrhosis, gout, diabetes, and in patients who are taking corticosteroids or ACTH.
• Excess diuresis is potentially serious, appropriate precautions should be employed.
• Furosemide may exacerbate or activate systemic lupus erythematous
• Pregnancy Category C

Question 12

What are the adverse effects of Lasix?

Answer 12

Dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth, HEARING LOSS, nausea, vomiting, WEAKNESS, MUSCLE CRAMPS, paresthesia, ANEMIA, photosensitivity, purport, rash, and hyperglycemia

Question 13

What should the RPh consult their patient on when taking Furosemide?

Answer 13

• May be taken with food or milk if GI upset occurs
• Timing of dose is important because of increase diuresis. Usually given in early a.m.
• Avoid overexposure to sunlight
• Check with RPh or MD before taking any OTC
• May cause orthostatic hypotension
• If a dose dismissed, take ASAP. If time is closer to next dose than missed dose, skip missed dose. Do NOT double doses.