Furosemide
A loop diuretic. 40 mg IV if new to it; if already on it, at least the usual oral dose IV. Only for fluid overload.
Common brands in Pakistan: Lasix. Brand availability changes; check with your pharmacy.
On this page
Dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Acute pulmonary oedema, diuretic-naive | 40 mg IV slowly |
| Already on oral furosemide | At least the usual oral dose given IV |
| Chronic heart failure | 20–80 mg orally once or twice daily |
| Children | 0.5–1 mg/kg IV or orally (specialist) |
Cautions
- Low potassium, sodium and magnesium; dehydration and AKI.
- Ototoxicity with rapid high-dose IV.
- Not for low urine output in a dry patient.
Frequently asked questions
Should furosemide be given for low urine output?
Only if the patient is fluid overloaded. In a dry patient it worsens kidney injury.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Furosemide is covered in our textbook chapter Antiarrhythmic and antianginal drugs, with practice MCQs.