Loop diuretics are given to help reduce the amount of water in the body. They work by acting on the kidneys to increase the flow of urine. Frusemide is also used to treat hypertension in those patients who are not helped by other drugs or in those patients who have renal problems. Hypertension adds to the work load of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a prolonged duration, the heart and arteries may not function effectively. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, cardiac failure, or renal failure. Hypertension may also increase the risk of MI. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Oral dose (oral solution or tablets): Diuretic: Adults : At first, 20 to 80 milligrams (mg) once a day. It may be increased as needed. Children: Dose is based on body weight - 2 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight for a single dose. For hypertension: Adults : 40 mg two times a day. For injection dosage form: Diuretic: Adults : At first, 20 to 40 mg injected into IM or IV for one dose. Once the drug is active, the dose is injected into IV or IM one or two times a day. Children : The usual dose is 1 mg per kg of body weight injected into IV or IM for a single dose. For severe hypertension: Adults: 40 to 200 mg injected into IV.

Contra Indications

It is contraindicated in anuria, those with history of allergy to frusemide, hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia, precoma stage associated with hepatic cirrhosis and addisons disease.

Precautions

Allergies : Allergic reaction to frusemide may occur. Pregnancy: In general, diuretics are not useful for normal edema of feet and hands that occurs during pregnancy. Diuretics should not be taken during pregnancy. Breast-feeding : Frusemide passes into breast milk. Older adults: Dizziness, light-headedness, or signs of hypokalemia may be more likely to occur in the elderly, who are more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Elderly patients may also be more likely to develop thrombii.

Interactions

It may increase the nephrotoxicity of cephalosporin and aminoglycosides. Phenytoin and indomethacin decreases the effectiveness of frusemide. Analgesics may reduce the natriuretic effect. Frusemide enhances muscle relaxants.

Brand Names

Clearanal (Alpine), Diucontin-k Continus (Modi Mundipharma), Diucontin-k TM Continus (Modi Mundipharma), Frusenex (Geno), Lasix (Hoechst Marion Rousell), Lasix High Dose (Hoechst Marion Rousell), Salinex (IDPL).

Pharmacokinetics | Indications | Routes of Administration and Dosage | Contra Indications | Precautions | Interactions | Brand Names

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