What is furosemide and what is it for?

What is furosemide?

Furosemideis a synthetic medicine, used by outpatient and hospital medicine totreatfluid retentionand in the alteration of blood pressure. (1)

Its active ingredient isfurosemide, a chemical compound thatacts as a diuretic that causes the elimination by the kidneyand through urine, water and salt unnecessary or surplus from the body.

On the other hand, the commercial presentation of this medicine is in tablets of40 mg and in ampoules of 20 mg / 2 mL. As for the administration of this drug, it is done orally and according to the patient’s pathology, however the following recommendations are made:

• In adult patients: The recommended dose to start treatment is 20 to 80 mg of furosemide daily. The maximum dose will be as prescribed by your doctor and may depend on response to treatment.
• In children or infants: The recommended dose for this population is daily oral administration from 1 mg/kg/day to 6 mg/kg, up to a maximum of 40mg/day.

Important: This medicine isof delicate use, so its prescription and administration must be in charge of a specialist doctor.

What is furosemide used for?

Furosemide is a diuretic and is indicated for the treatment of the following diseases or conditions in the body:

1. High blood pressure

Arterial hypertension is a disease characterized by the increase in normal values of blood pressure in the blood vessels, due to the thickening of the walls of veins and arteries or the accumulation of atheromas in said vessels. (two)

To highlight: Some studies have shown significant reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive patients with prolonged use of furosemide. (3)

2. Cardiac, renal and hepatic edema

Oedemais the accumulation of fluid in the interstitium (a network of fluid-filled cavities that lies under the skin and covers many other organs), due to diseases such as heart failure, chronic kidney failure, or liver disorders. (4)

Note: Certain scientific journals describe the use of furosemide for cases of edema due to the causes described above. (5)

3. Hydroelectrolytic disorders

Hydroelectrolytic disorders are all those alterations of the body content of water or electrolytesin the human body. They are classified according to whether they are under or over.(6)

You should know: In cases of hypernatremia (high sodium levels), the Use of loop diureticssuch as furosemide is recommended to decrease sodium levels in the blood. (7)

Furosemide Side Effects

The use of furosemide can cause in certain patients, some of the following  Adverse effects :

• Allergic reactions from contact with any of the components of furosemide.
• May cause electrolyte disturbances and dehydration.
• May cause decreased levels of sodium, chloride, and potassium.
• It can increase diuresis (urine excretion).
• It can reduce the effect of other medicines.

Important: Tell your doctor if you notice the appearance of any of these reactions or one not included in the list and try to receive all the information about this drug before starting treatment.

contraindications of furosemide

Furosemide treatment is contraindicated in any of the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the components of furosemide.
• In patients with treatment for severe progressive kidney disease.
• In patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
• In patients with chloral hydrate treatment.
• If you suffer from diabetes mellitus.
• In patients with anuria (absence of urine).
• During pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

You should know: Before starting treatment with this medication, it is advisable to review your medical history .

Key Findings

• Furosemide is a synthetic medication used to treat fluid retention and blood pressure disorders.
• Its active ingredient is furosemide, and it acts as a diuretic that causes the the elimination of unnecessary or excess water from the body.
• It is also used to regulate the excessive presence of some electrolytes in the blood, such as sodium.
• This medicine must be prescribed and administered under the supervision of a specialist doctor .