Legal Classification of Medication
POM
Furosemide tablets can only be obtained in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner and therefore the legal status of the medication is prescription only medication (POM).
Formulations
Furosemide is available as tablets, suspension, and as an injection. The following strengths are available:
Tablets: 40mg and 500mg
Suspension: 20mg/5ml, 40mg/5ml, and 50mg/5ml
Injection: 10mg/1ml
Class of drugs
Furosemide belongs to a group of drugs called loop diuretics.
Indications
How does it work?
Furosemide works by increasing the production of urine from the kidneys; they achieve this by interfering with salt and water balance across cells found in the loop of Henle of the kidneys. The increased production of urine from the kidneys leads to less fluid in the blood therefore reducing symptoms of fluid accumulation.
How is it taken?
Fluid accumulation: Initially 40mg in the morning, maintenance dose is 20-40mg daily. Can be
increased to 80-120mg in resistance cases when authorised by your doctor.
High blood pressure: 40-80mg daily.
Furosemide takes an hour to work therefore it has a rapid onset of action to work and the effect lasts for about 4-6 hours. The tablets are taken in the morning so that their action does not interfere with sleep.
Pregnancy and Breast feeding
Furosemide is not indicated to be used in pregnancy as it crosses the placental barrier. Furosemide is distributed in breast milk in small amounts depending on the dose given, your doctor will advice you if will be able to take furosemide while breast feeding.
Contra-indications
Furosemide should not be given to those with severe kidney or liver damage. It is also contra-indicated in patients who have a decreased blood volume and have severe dehydration.
Side-effects
The following are common side-effects of furosemide, most occur with high doses and the serious effects are uncommon:
