What is Furosemide?
Furosemide
is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention (edema) in dogs and cats with
congestive heart failure, liver disease, or certain kidney disease. Furosemide
is also used to treat high blood pressure. Furosemide for dogs and cats is sold
as 10 mg/ml 60 ml bottle oral solution or by the tablet and requires a
prescription from your veterinarian.
For:
Cats and
Dogs
Benefits:
- Treats excessive fluid accumulation and
swelling caused by heart failure and other health problems
- Easy to administer
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How
does furosemide work?
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Furosemide
is a potent diuretic which works by blocking the absorption of salt and fluid
in the kidney tubules causing an increase in urine output.
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Cautions:
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Keep
plenty of water available for your pet to drink. Furosemide can make your pet's
skin sensitive to sunlight. There are possible adverse interactions with other
drugs, so fully disclose to your veterinarian what you are giving your pet.
This medication should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals.
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Brand
Name:
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Lasix , Salix
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Generic
Name:
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Furosemide
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What
is the most important thing I should know about furosemide?
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Do not
give this medication if your pet is not urinating. Tell your veterinarian if
your pet has kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.
Furosemide can make your pet's skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may
occur. Periodic blood tests, as well as kidney or liver function tests, may be
necessary. Furosemide will make your pet urinate more often. Your pet should
have drinking water readily available to prevent dehydration and electrolyte
imbalance. Furosemide is a loop diuretic (water pill) used to treat fluid
retention (edema) in dogs and cats with congestive heart failure, liver
disease, or certain kidney disease. Furosemide is also used to treat high blood
pressure. Furosemide is available by prescription as Furosemide Oral Solution
containing 10 mg/ml, and in 12.5 mg (round yellow), 20 mg (round white), 40 mg
(round white), 50 mg (round yellow), and 80 mg (round white) tablets. The usual
dose of furosemide in dogs and cats is 1-2 mg/pound once or twice a day (at 6
to 8 hour intervals). Cats will usually get the lower dose. Higher doses can be
given depending on the severity of symptoms. Discard the opened bottle of Oral
Solution after 90 days. Furosemide may also be used for purposes other than
those listed here.
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What
should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving furosemide to my pet?
·
Do not
give this medication if your pet is not urinating. Tell your veterinarian if
your pet has kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
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How
should furosemide be given?
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Give this
medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give larger
amounts, or give it for longer than recommended by your veterinarian. Your
veterinarian may occasionally change the dose to make sure your pet gets the
best results from this medication. Furosemide will make your pet urinate more
often, so your pet should have drinking water readily available to prevent
dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Periodic blood tests as well as kidney
or liver function tests may be necessary. Store this medication at room
temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.
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What
are the potential side effects of furosemide?
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If any of
the following serious side effects occur, stop giving furosemide and seek
emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty
breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). Stop giving
furosemide and call your veterinarian at once if any of these serious side
effects occur; dry mouth, thirst, nausea and vomiting, weakness, drowsiness,
restlessness, irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or weakness, urinating less than
usual or not at all, bleeding, unusual weakness, hair loss,
"bulls-eye" lesions, vesicles around mouth, ears, and groin; hearing
loss, nausea, stomach pain, fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice.
Continue giving furosemide and talk with your veterinarian if any of these less
serious side effects should occur: diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain,
headache, dizziness, or blurred vision. Side effects other than those listed in
this guide may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that
seems unusual or especially bothersome to your pet.
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What
happens if I miss giving a dose of furosemide?
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Furosemide
is sometimes used only once, so that there may not be a dosing schedule. If you
are giving furosemide regularly, give the missed dose as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait
until the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the
medication.
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What
happens if I overdose my pet on furosemide?
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Seek
emergency veterinary medical attention if you believe you have given your pet
too much medication. Symptoms of furosemide overdose may include loss of
appetite, weakness, dizziness, confusion, fainting.
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What
should I avoid while giving furosemide?
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Avoid
allowing the pet to become dehydrated. Keep plenty of water available for the
pet to drink. Furosemide can make your pet's skin more sensitive to sunlight
and sunburn may occur.
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What
other drugs will affect furosemide?
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If you
give your pet sucralfate (Carafate), give it at least 2 hours before or after
giving furosemide. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given digoxin
(Lanoxin), steroids (such as prednisone), other blood pressure medications,
Amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, salicylates such as aspirin (Vetrin), or
indomethacin. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with furosemide.
Tell your veterinarian about all the prescription and over the counter medications
you are giving your pet. This includes vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.