| name | Furosemide |
| classification | Loop Diuretic |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are typically reached within 1-2 hours after oral administration. | | distribution | Furosemide is widely distributed throughout the body, including the kidneys, lungs, and brain. It crosses the placenta and enters breast milk. | | metabolism | Furosemide is primarily metabolized in the liver, although some excretion occurs unchanged in the urine. | | excretion | Excreted mainly by the kidneys, with a significant portion appearing in the urine within 4-6 hours after administration. |
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| suggested dosage | | oral | | adult | | initial | 20-40 mg PO initially. | | maintenance | 20-80 mg PO per day in divided doses as necessary. |
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| | important notes | Dosage should be individualized based on the patient's response and clinical status. Consult with a physician to determine the appropriate dosage and frequency of administration for a patient with edema. |
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| indications | | 1 | Edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and nephrotic syndrome. | | 2 | Hypertension |
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| safety in pregnancy | | category | C | | details | Furosemide may cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy. The benefits of treatment must be carefully weighed against the potential risks. Consultation with a physician is critical. | | advice | Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed, and only under direct medical supervision. |
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| safety in breastfeeding | | details | Furosemide is excreted into breast milk. The risk to the nursing infant is considered generally low, but the decision to continue breastfeeding should be made in consultation with the physician. | | advice | If breastfeeding, consult with the physician about potential risks vs. benefits. |
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| side effects | | 1 | Electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia) | | 2 | Dehydration | | 3 | Hypotension | | 4 | Ototoxicity (rare but possible, especially with high doses or rapid intravenous administration) | | 5 | Photosensitivity | | 6 | Headache | | 7 | Nausea | | 8 | Vomiting | | 9 | Muscle cramps | | 10 | Dizziness |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to furosemide or sulfonamides | | 2 | Severe dehydration | | 3 | Severe electrolyte disturbances | | 4 | Anuria |
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| interactions | | 1 | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the diuretic effect of furosemide. | | 2 | Digoxin may increase the risk of digitalis toxicity. | | 3 | Lithium may increase the risk of lithium toxicity. | | 4 | Aminoglycoside antibiotics may increase the risk of ototoxicity. | | 5 | Potassium-sparing diuretics |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor serum electrolytes frequently, especially potassium, sodium, and magnesium. | | 2 | Closely monitor patients for signs of dehydration, hypotension, and ototoxicity. | | 3 | Use caution in patients with impaired renal function or hepatic function. | | 4 | Assess baseline blood pressure and electrolyte levels before initiation. |
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| additional information | | patient specific considerations | Furosemide is most effective for situations where rapid diuresis is needed to treat edema, but with edema, electrolyte disturbances must be monitored carefully. In a 25-year-old male weighing 70 kg, a starting dose may be 20-40mg. The dosage should be adjusted based on clinical response and blood test results. | | follow up | Regular follow-up visits and monitoring are crucial for optimizing treatment and managing potential complications. |
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| patient age | 25 |
| patient weight | 70kg |
