- Diuresis for reduction of edema secondary to cardiac, hepatic or renal dysfunction
- Useful in the treatment of acute congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema
- Stable at room temperature. Protect from light
- Available as 10 mg/mL solution
- Exposure to light may cause discolouration. DO NOT use if solution is yellow
- Furosemide is unstable in acidic media but very stable in basic media
- Solutions stable 24 hours at room temperature in a syringe
- Solutions Compatible: dextrose up to D20W, NS, dextrose-saline combinations, ringer's lactate
- Additives/Above Cassette Compatible: KCl (up to 40 mmol/L)
- Y-site Compatible: heparin, epinephrine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, meropenem, morphine, nitroglycerin, norepinephrine, TPN (amino acid/dextrose)
- Incompatible: azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, diazepam, dobutamine, dopamine, erythromycin, filgrastim, fluconazole, gentamycin, meperidine, midazolam, ondansetron, thiopental
(For approved routes of administration by nursing personnel, refer to Policy for the Administration of Intravenous Medications.)
| SC | NO |
| IM | YES |
| IV Direct |
Yes -Max 1 mg/kg/dose. Dose >1mg/kg/dose must be given IV intermittent Usual dilution: 1 mg/mL Infusion time: 5 minutes Infusion rate: do not exceed 0.5 mg/kg/min for doses < 120 mg; 4 mg/min for doses > 120 mg |
| IV Intermittent Infusion |
Yes Usual dilution: 1 mg/mL Infusion time: 10-15 minutes Infusion rate: do not exceed 0.5 mg/kg/min for doses < 120 mg; 4 mg/min for doses > 120 mg |
| IV Continuous Infusion | YES Usual dilution: 1 mg/mL or 10mg/mL |
Click here to access SDC Drug Infusion Sheet
(For neonatal dosages, refer to Neonatal IV Drug Manual.)
Pediatric:
- 0.5-2 mg/kg/dose IM/IV Q 4-24 hours.
- Dose may be increased to achieve desired response
- Maximum: 6 mg/kg/dose. Most cases not necessary to exceed 4 mg/kg/dose
- Continuous Infusion: 0.05-0.4 mg/kg/hour, titrate to clinical effect
Adult:
- 20-40 mg/dose IM/IV, repeat in 1-2 hours prn, usual Q 6-12 hours
- Increase dose by 20 mg till desired affect achieved
- Maximum: 80 mg as a single IV dose
- Continuous Infusion: 0.1 - 0.4 mg/kg/hour
- IM - transient pain at injection site
- Hypovolemia, hypotension
- Ototoxicity (deafness, tinnitus) may be associated with large IV doses and rapid injection especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or taking other ototoxic drugs
- Hypokalemia, hypochloremia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, hypovolemia, alkalosis, dehydration, hyperuricemia
- Dermatitis, pruritis, blurred vision, dizziness, bladder spasms, pancreatitis, hyperglycemia in diabetics, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis
- Monitor electrolytes frequently, renal function and blood pressure
- Caution in patients with complete renal shutdown, hepatic coma, or electrolyte depletion
- Potentiates antihypertensives
- May precipitate gout, hyperglycemia in diabetics
- Cross sensitivity with sulfonamides possible