Furosemide: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Furosemide is a loop diuretic medicine that helps the kidneys remove extra salt and water from the body. It is most commonly prescribed to reduce oedema, or fluid swelling, linked with heart failure, liver cirrhosis or kidney disease. It requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and has been available as a generic medicine since 1986-01-24.

Furosemide is a loop diuretic. It works mainly in a part of the kidney called the loop of Henle, where it reduces the kidney's reabsorption of sodium and chloride. Water follows these salts into the urine, so the body passes more urine and loses extra fluid.

This fluid loss can reduce swelling caused by fluid retention. It can also reduce the amount of fluid moving through the circulation, which may lower blood pressure.

Because furosemide can remove water and electrolytes quickly, medical monitoring may be needed. The effect and dose depend on the person's condition and response.

Furosemide tablets are used to treat oedema, meaning a build-up of fluid in the body. The label lists oedema linked with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and renal disease, including nephrotic syndrome. This medicine may be particularly useful when a strong diuretic effect is needed.

Oral furosemide is also used in adults to treat hypertension, either alone or with other medicines for high blood pressure. Treatment is adjusted according to the response and the minimum amount needed to maintain the effect. People with hypertension who are not adequately controlled with thiazides may also not be adequately controlled with furosemide alone.

The label lists oral tablets of 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg, as well as oral solution strengths of 10 mg/mL, 40 mg/4 mL, and 40 mg/5 mL. Injectable forms include 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/2 mL, 40 mg/4 mL, 100 mg/10 mL, 8 mg/mL, 30 mg/mL, and 80 mg/mL, depending on the route and product.

The usual starting dose is 20 to 80 mg as a single dose for adult oedema. The label lists a possible repeat dose after 6 to 8 hours, with later adjustment according to response. The label lists 2 mg/kg as the usual initial paediatric oral dose for oedema, with doses greater than 6 mg/kg body weight not recommended.

The usual starting dose is 80 mg for adult hypertension, usually divided into 40 mg twice a day. The label lists cautious dose selection for older adults, usually beginning at the low end of the range.

Store at 68° to 77°F (20° to 25°C). Excursions are permitted to 59° to 86°F (15° to 30°C).

Keep tablets in well-closed, light-resistant containers to maintain quality, as exposure to light might cause slight discolouration. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

A missed dose means the scheduled dose was not taken or administered at the planned time. General pharmacy practice is to follow the prescriber’s or pharmacist’s advice, and not to double the next dose to make up for a missed dose.

Furosemide increases urine production, so timing can affect fluid balance and daily activities. Advice is particularly important for people using it for oedema, hypertension, kidney disease or liver disease.

The label states that there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Furosemide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Treatment during pregnancy requires monitoring of fetal growth because of the potential for higher birth weights. Animal studies found unexplained maternal deaths and abortions in rabbits, as well as fetal effects.