Furosemide Tablets BP (Vet) POM-V

Description:

Furosemide is a potent ‘loop’ diuretic used in the treatment of oedema.

Conditions suitable for treatment include ascites, hydrothorax, pulmonary oedema and oedema of the mammary gland or of the legs, as well as oedema resulting from cardiac insufficiency, hepatic or renal dysfunction, parasitism or of a traumatic origin.

Furosemide tablets B.P. (Vet.) 20mg and 40mg are for use in cats and dogs only. It is a potent ‘loop’ diuretic. So called because it acts primarily by inhibiting electrolyte absorption in the loop of Henlé. It has a rapid onset of action, normally within 1 hour of administration, but a relatively short duration of activity of approximately 4 hours.

These characteristics mean that dosing can be timed within the day, to allow consequent passage of water at socially convenient times.

Furosemide Tablets B.P. (Vet.) are used in the treatment of oedema. Conditions suitable for treatment include ascites, hydrothorax, pulmonary oedema and oedema of the mammary gland or of the legs, as well as oedema resulting from cardiac insufficiency, hepatic or renal dysfunction, parasitism or of a traumatic origin. Combined therapy with other medicinal products may be indicated.

Dosage:

For oral administration only. 5mg per Kilogram bodyweight, one to two times daily. Diuresis occurs within one hour and is normally complete within six hours. Dosing at an interval of at least six hours (and up to ten hours) allows for twice daily dosing, usually without the need for excess urine to be passed during the night. Not to be used in cats or dogs weighing less than 4 kg in bodyweight.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc:

Do not use in acute glomerula nephritis, in electrolyte deficiency diseases, in patients with anuria, or patients that have received excessive doses of cardiac glycosides. Do not use concurrently with aminoglycoside antibiotics or corticosteroids. Allergic reactions have been associated with use with sulphonamides.
For patients weighing less than 8Kg, dosage with the 20mg tablet (which may be halved) is recommended.

Patients may increase their water intake to compensate for the diuresis. Doses higher than that which is recommended may cause transitory deafness. Monitoring of plasma potassium levels is advisable during periods of prolonged treatment of combined therapy with cardiac glycosides. Potassium supplements may be necessary. Furosemide tablets B.P. (Vet.) may be used in pregnant or lactating animals.