Med Cards Flashcards
Furosemide is also called?
Lasix
Furosemide: Classification:
Therapeutic - diuretics. -Pharmacologic - loop diuretics
Furosemide:
Standard Dosage:
PO adults- 20-80 mg/day as a single dose initially, may repeat in 6-8 hr; may
increase dose by 20-40 mg q 6-8 hr until desired response. Maintenance doses may be given once
or twice daily.
Furosemide:
Drug Action:
-Inhibits reabsorption of sodium and chloride from the loop of henle and distal
renal tubule. Increases renal excretion of water, sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, calcium.
Effectiveness persists in impaired renal function.
Furosemide:
Therapeutic Uses:
Diuresis and subsequent mobilization of excess fluid (edema, pleural
effusions). Decreased BP
Furosemide:
Indication:
Edema due to heart failure, hepatic impairment or renal disease. Hypertension.
Furosemide:
Adverse Effects of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system?
CNS - blurred vision, dizziness, headache, vertigo. CV - hypotension.
Furosemide:
Adverse Effects of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems?
GI -
anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, increased liver enzymes, nausea,
pancreatitis, vomiting. GU - increases BUN, excessive urination, nephrocalcinosis.
Furosemide:
Adverse Effects of EENT (ears, eyes, nose, throat) and dermis (skin):
EENT - hearing
loss, tinnitus. Derm - erythema multiforme, stevens-johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis,
photosensitivity, pruritus, rash, urticari
Furosemide:
Adverse Effects of Endo:
Endo - hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia,
hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia.
Furosemide:
Adverse Effects of Fluids and Electrolytes:
F & E - dehydration, hypokalemia, hypochloremia,
hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypovolemia, metabolic alkalosis
Furosemide:
Adverse Effects of Muscular system and neuro (brain nerves)?
MS - muscle cramps.
Neuro - paresthesia. Misc - fever.
Furosemide:
Nursing Implications:
Assess fluid status. Monitor daily weight, I & O ratios, amount and
location of edema, lung sounds, skin turgor & mucous membranes. Notify HCP if thirst, dry mouth,
lethargy, weakness, hypotension or oliguria occurs. Monitor BP and pulse before and during
administration. Monitor frequency of prescription refills to determine compliance in patients treated
for hypertension. (Geri): diuretic use is associated with increased falls in older adults. Assess fall
risk/prevention strategies. Assess patients receiving digoxin for anorexia, nausea, vomiting, muscle
cramps, paresthesia and confusion. Increased risk of digoxen toxicity because of potassium
depleting effect of diuretic. Can give potassium supplements/potassium sparing diuretics to prevent
hypokalemia. Asses for tinnitus or hearing loss. Audiometry is recommended for patients receiving
prolongs high IV dosage. Hearing loss is most common after rapid or high dose/rapid IV admin in
patients with decreased renal function, or those taking ototoxic drugs. Assess for allergies to
sulfonamides. Assess for skin rash frequently (discontinue at first sign of rash, dermal side effects
may develop).
Furosemide:
Drug Interactions:
^risk of hypotension with antihypertensives, nitrates, or acute ingestion of
alcohol. ^ risk of hypokalemia with other diuretics, amphotericin B, stimulant laxative and
corticosteroids. Hypokalemia ^ risk of digoxin toxicity and ^ arrhythmia in patients taking drugs
that prolong the QT interval. Decreases lithium excretion, may cause lithium toxicity. ^ risk of
ototoxicity with aminoglycosides or cisplatin. ^ risk of nephrotoxicity with cisplatin. NSAIDS
decrease effect of furosemide. May ^ risk of methotrexate toxicity. Decrease effects of furosemide
when given same time as sucralfate, cholestyramine, colestipol. ^ risk of salicylate toxicity (with
use of high dose salicylate therapy). Concurrent use with cyclosporine may ^ risk of gouty arthritis.
Furosemide:
Patient Teaching:
Take as directed, do not double, do not miss doses. Change positions slowly,
don’t drink alcohol, exercise in hot weather or stand for a long time due to orthostatic hypotension.
Consult HCP about high potassium diet, and about weight gain if more than 3lbs in a day. Make
sure all Rx or OTC medications are known by HCP, during therapy and before treatment or surgery.
Caution patient about wearing sunscreen or clothing in sun due to photosensitivity. Contact HCP
immediately if rash, muscle weakness, cramps, nausea, dizziness, numbness or tingling of
extremities occur. Advise diabetic patients to monitor blood sugar closely. Emphasize importance
of follow up exams. Assess fall risk/prevention strategies in older adults. Advise patients on
antihypertensive regimen to continue meds even if feeling better, and continue the use of addition
therapies for hypertension (weight loss, exercise etc.)