Furosemide Injection
Diuretic For Prompt Relief Of Edema
Furosemide Injection is an effective
diuretic possessing a wide therapeutic range. Pharmacologically it
promotes the rapid removal of abnormally retained extracellular fluids.
The rationale for the efficacious use of diuretic therapy is determined
by the clinical pathology producing the edema. Furosemide is indicated
for the treatment of edema, (pulmonary congestion, ascites) associated
with cardiac insufficiency and acute noninflammatory tissue edema in dogs, cats and horses.
Furosemide is also indicated for the treatment of
physiological parturient edema of the mammary gland and associated
structures in cattle.The continued use of heart stimulants, such as digitalis
or its glycosides is indicated in cases of edema involving cardiac
insufficiency.
Furosemide is a chemically distinct diuretic and
saluretic pharmacodynamically characterized by a high degree of efficacy, low-inherent toxicity and a
high therapeutic index. It has a rapid onset of action and of comparatively short
duration. The intravenous route produces the most rapid diuretic
response.
Furosemide acts in the functional area of the
nephron, i.e., proximal and distal tubules and the ascending limb of the
loop of Henle.
Furosemide may be administered orally or parenterally. It is
readily absorbed from the intestinal tract and well tolerated.
Dosage and Administration
The usual dosage of Furosemide is 1 to 2 mg/lb. body
weight (approximately 2.5 to 5 mg/kg). The lower dosage is suggested for
cats. Administer once or twice daily at 6 to 8 hour intervals either
orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly. A prompt diuresis usually
ensues from the initial treatment. Diuresis may be initiated by the
parenteral administration of Furosemide Injection and then maintained by
oral administration.
The dosage should be adjusted to the individual's
response. In severe edematous or refractory cases, the dose may be
doubled or increased by increments of 1 mg per pound body weight. The
established effective dose should be administered once or twice daily.
The daily schedule of administration can be timed to control the period
of micturition for the convenience of the client or veterinarian.
Mobilization of the edema may be most efficiently and safely
accomplished by utilizing an intermittent daily dosage schedule, i.e.,
every other day or 2 to 4 consecutive days weekly.
Diuretic therapy should be discontinued after reduction
of the edema, or maintained after determining a carefully programmed
dosage schedule to prevent recurrence of edema. For long-term treatment,
the dose can generally be lowered after the edema has once been reduced.
Re-examination and consultations with client will enhance the
establishment of a satisfactorily programmed dosage schedule. Clinical
examination and serum BUN, CO2 and
electrolyte determinations should be performed during the early period
of therapy and periodically thereafter, especially in refractory cases.
Abnormalities should be corrected or the drug temporarily withdrawn.
DOSAGE: ORAL
DOG AND CAT - One-half to one 50 mg scored tablet per
25 pounds body weight.
One 12.5 mg tablet per 5 to 10 pounds body weight.
Administer once or twice daily, permitting a 6 to 8 hour
interval between treatments. In refractory or severe edematous cases,
the dosage may be doubled or increased by increments of 1 mg per pound
body weight as recommended in preceding paragraphs, "Dosage and
Administration".
PARENTERAL:
DOG AND CAT - Administer intramuscularly or
intravenously 1/4 to 1/2 mL per 10 pounds body weight.
Administer once or twice daily, permitting a 6 to 8 hour
interval between treatments. In refractory or severe edematous cases,
the dosage may be doubled or increased by increments of 1 mg per pound
body weight as recommended in preceding paragraphs, "Dosage and
Administration".
HORSE - The individual dose is 250 to 500 mg (5 to 10
mL) administered intramuscularly or intravenously once or twice daily at
6 to 8 hour intervals until desired results are achieved. The
veterinarian should evaluate the degree of edema present and adjust
dosage schedule accordingly. Do not use in horses
intended for human consumption.
CATTLE - The individual dose administered
intramuscularly or intravenously is 500 mg (10 mL) once daily or 250 mg
(5 mL) twice daily at 12 hour intervals. Treatment not to exceed 48
hours postparturition.
Milk taken from animals during treatment
and for 48 hours (four milkings) after the last treatment must not be
used for food. Cattle must not be slaughtered for food within 48 hours
following last treatment.
Federal law restricts this drug
to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Contraindications - Precautions
Furosemide is a highly effective diuretic-saluretic
which if given in excessive amounts may result in dehydration and
electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, the dosage and schedule may have to be
adjusted to the patients needs. The animal should be observed for early
signs of electrolyte imbalance, and corrective measures administered.
Early signs of electrolyte imbalance are: increased thirst, lethargy,
drowsiness or restlessness, fatigue, oliguria, gastro-intestinal
disturbances and tachycardia. Special attention should be given to
potassium levels. Furosemide may lower serum calcium levels and cause
tetany in rare cases of animals having an existing hypocalcemic
tendency.
Although diabetes mellitus is a rarely reported disease
in animals, active or latent diabetes mellitus may on rare occasions be
exacerbated by Furosemide. While it has not been reported in animals the
use of high doses of salicylates, as in rheumatic diseases, in
conjunction with Furosemide may result in salicylate toxicity because of
competition for renal excretory sites.
Transient loss of auditory capacity has been
experimentally produced in cats following intravenous injection of
excessive doses of Furosemide at a very rapid rate.
Electrolyte balance should be monitored prior to surgery
in patients receiving Furosemide. Imbalances must be corrected by
administration of suitable fluid therapy.
Furosemide is contraindicated in anuria. Therapy should
be discontinued in cases of progressive renal disease if increasing
azotemia and oliguria occur during the treatment. Sudden alterations of
fluid and electrolyte imbalance in an animal with cirrhosis may
precipitate hepatic coma, therefore observation during period of therapy
is necessary. In hepatic coma and in states of electrolyte depletion,
therapy should not be instituted until the basic condition is improved
or corrected. Potassium supplementation may be necessary in cases
routinely treated with potassium-depleting steroids.
WARNINGS
Furosemide is a highly effective diuretic and if given
in excessive amounts as with any diuretic may lead to excessive diuresis
which could result in electrolyte imbalance, dehydration and reduction
of plasma volume enhancing the risk of circulatory collapse, thrombosis,
and embolism. Therefore, the animal should be observed for early signs
of fluid depletion with electrolyte imbalance, and corrective measures
administered. Excessive loss of potassium in patients receiving
digitalis or its glycosides may precipitate digitalis toxicity. Caution
should be exercised in animals administered potassium-depleting
steroids.
It is important to correct potassium deficiency with
dietary supplementation. Caution should be exercised in prescribing
enteric-coated potassium tablets.
HOW SUPPLIED
Parenteral: Furosemide Injection 5%
Each mL contains: 50 mg furosemide
Available in 50 mL multidose vials.
Tablets:
50 mg (scored) tablets - Each tablet contains 50.0
milligrams of furosemide
12.5 mg tablets - Each tablet contains 12.5 milligrams
of furosemide
Available in bottles of 500 tablets.
Keep this and all medications out of the
reach of children.
Store between 59° and 86° F. Protect from freezing.
Rx Medication Sold Only To Licensed Veterinarians & Pharmacies. Current License Must Be On File Prior To Shipping.
