Frusemide
Brand names Dryptal, Froop, Lasix, Rusyde.
Used in the following combined preparations Aridel, Co-Amilofruse, Diumide-K Continus, Fru-Co, Frumil, Lasikal, and others.
General Information
Frusemide is a powerful, short-acting loop diuretic that has been in use for over 20 years. Like other diuretics, it is used to treat oedema (fluid retention) caused by heart failure, and certain lung, liver, and kidney disorders.
Because it is fast acting, frusemide is often used in emergencies to relieve pulmonary oedema. Frusemide is particularly useful for people who have impaired kidney function because they do not respond well to thiazide diuretics.
Frusemide increases potassium loss, which can produce a wide variety of symptoms. For this reason, potassium supplements or a potassium-sparing diuretic are often given with the drug.
Quick Reference
Drug group Loop diuretic and antihypertensive drug.
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
Information for Users
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, liquid, injection.
Frequency and timing of doses
Once daily, usually in the morning. High dose therapy: 4-6 x hourly.
Adult dosage range
20-80mg daily. Dose may be increased to a maximum of 2g daily if kidney function is impaired.
Onset of effect
Within 1 hour (by mouth); within 5 minutes (by injection).
Duration of action
Up to 6 hours.
Diet advice
Use of this drug may reduce potassium in the body. Eat plenty of potassium-rich fresh fruits and vegetables.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Protect from light.
Missed dose
No cause for concern, but take as soon as you remember. However, if it is late in the day do not take the missed dose, or you may need to get up during the night to pass urine.
Take the next scheduled dose as usual.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern. But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.
Possible Adverse Effects
Adverse effects are caused mainly by the rapid fluid loss produced by frusemide. These tend to diminish as the body adjusts to taking the drug. The disturbance in body salts and water balance can result in muscle cramps, headaches, and dizziness.
Special Precautions
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver problems.
You have gout.
You have diabetes. You have previously had an allergic reaction to frusemide or sulphonamides.
You have prostate trouble.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug may reduce milk supply, but the amount in the milk is unlikely to affect the baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Reduced dose necessary.
Over 60
Reduced dose may be necessary.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you know how frusemide affects you because the drug may reduce mental alertness and cause dizziness.
Alcohol
Keep consumption low. Frusemide increases the likelihood of dehydration and hangovers after the consumption of alcohol.
Interactions
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Some of these drugs may reduce the diuretic effect of frusemide.
Lithium
Frusemide may increase blood levels of lithium, leading to an increased risk of lithium poisoning.
Digoxin
Loss of potassium may lead to digoxin toxicity when frusemide is taken with this drug.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics
The risk of hearing and kidney problems may be increased when these drugs are taken with frusemide.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
There is a risk of low blood pressure when these drugs are taken with frusemide.
Prolonged Use
Serious problems are unlikely, but levels of salts, such as potassium, sodium, and calcium, may occasionally become depleted during prolonged use.
Monitoring Periodic tests may be performed to check on kidney function and levels of body salts.
