General Drug Information and Indications

Furosemide (loop diuretic) for pulmonary edema, CHF, EIPH in horses, and edema/ascites in small animals. Loop diuretic (furosemide 50 mg/mL injectable). Mechanism: inhibits Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) in thick ascending limb of loop of Henle → rapid, potent diuresis. Also reduces pulmonary blood volume/pressure acutely (pre-race in horses with EIPH). Sulfonamide derivative. Onset IV: 5 min; duration 2–4 hrs. Causes dose-dependent hypokalemia. Key information Furosemide injectable. See furosemide entry. Loop diuretic. Monitor electrolytes. Ototoxic with concurrent aminoglycosides.

How to Give this Medication

IV: administer slowly over 1–2 min — rapid injection causes ototoxicity. IM or SQ: inject into large muscle or SQ. Oral (tablets): Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. or without. Horses: IV 4 hrs pre-race per EIPH regulatory requirements (some jurisdictions). Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due within a few hours, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Never give a double dose.

Side Effects

Electrolyte loss: hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia (monitor electrolytes). Dehydration, prerenal azotemia. Ototoxicity (high-dose or rapid IV). Hypercalciuria. Thiamine depletion. GI: vomiting, anorexia. Horses: reduces exercise performance with excessive diuresis.

Precautions

For animals Monitor electrolytes (especially potassium). Monitor renal function, hydration status, and urine output. Avoid concurrent aminoglycosides (additive nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity). Horses: excessive diuresis before competition — monitor electrolyte balance. Observe food animal withdrawal times for milk and meat. (some jurisdictions have race-day regulations). For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Furosemide — sulfonamide derivative: inform doctor if sulfa-allergic. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Furosemide overdose causes dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Salix dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
SALIX 50ML 5% INJECTABLE—Injectable1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)