Furosemide Tablets

Description

Furosemide (fur-oh-se-mide) is a diuretic that works in the kidneys to remove excess water from the body in conditions associated with heart failure, lung disease (eg, pulmonary edema), end-stage liver disease, and excessive fluid build up in tissues. Furosemide may also be used in racehorses that get nosebleeds when they race.

Benefits

• Easy to administer tablets
• Helps treat swelling and fluid accumulation casued by heart failure and other health issues
• Highly effective

Consult with your veterinarian for proper dosage and course of treatment.

Warnings

This medication should not be given to pets who are pregnant or nursing.

Precautions

Furosemide Tablets are a highly effective diuretic-saluretic which, if given in excessive amounts, may result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, the dosage and schedule may have to be adjusted to the patient’s need. The animal should be observed for early signs of electrolyte imbalance, and corrective measures administered. Early signs of electrolyte imbalance are increased thirst, lethargy, drowsiness or restlessness, fatigue, oliguria, gastrointestinal disturbances and tachycardia. Special attention should be given to potassium levels. Furosemide Tablets may lower serum calcium levels and cause tetany in rare cases of animal shaving an existing hypocalcemic tendency.

Animal reproductive studies have shown that furosemide may cause fetal abnormality and the drug is contraindicated in pregnant animals. Furosemide is contraindicated in anuria, furosemide hypersensitivity, hepatic coma, or during electrolytic imbalances. Monitor serum electrolytes, BUN and CO2 frequently. Monitor serum potassium levels and watch for signs of hypocalcemia. Corticosteroids cause an additive potassium depletion effect.

Food and Drug Interactions

The concurrent use of furosemide with some antibiotics may be inadvisable. There is evidence that the drug enhances the nephrotoxic potential of aminoglycosides, cephalosporins and polymyxins and increases the ototoxic effects of all aminoglycosides. Sulfonamide diuretics have been reported to decrease arterial responsiveness to pressor amines and to enhance the effect of tubocurarine. Caution should be exercised in administering curare or its derivatives to patients undergoing therapy with Furosemide Tablets and it is advisable to discontinue Furosemide Tablets for one day prior to any elective surgery.

Human Warnings

Keep out of reach of children

Possible Side Effects

Side effects include increased need to urinate and possible changes in bowel habits. Be sure to allow your animal the chance to urinate more often, especially when starting this drug or when dosages are increased.

Because furosemide can cause an imbalance in water andelectrolytes (salts) in the body or affect kidney function, your veterinarian will likely want to do bloodtests to check for these effects.

High dosages (usually given with an IV) can cause hearing or balance problems.

Other serious side effects can include weakness or collapse (passing out), lack of urination, rapid heartbeat, and very rarely, can cause anemia or other problems with blood.

Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet is experiencing side effects.

Product Administration

Oral

Product Form

Tablet

Ingredients

Storage

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F ), excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (between 59° and 86°F).